The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine middle school teachers' job satisfaction (low vs. high) and how teachers perceive principals' leadership traits. The study used a causal-comparative and correlational design. The teachers were divided into two job satisfaction level groups. Teacher perception of principal leadership traits for these two groups were compared. In addition to this, the correlations between principal leadership traits and teacher satisfaction dimensions were examined for each of the teacher job satisfaction level groups. Trait theory and transformational leadership theory were the theoretical foundations for the study. Data were collected using two paper surveys and analyzed using six independent two-sample t-tests and Pearson correlations to identify any statistically significant relationships between leadership traits and job satisfaction. One hundred thirty-three individuals participated in the study. The research themes were Leadership in Schools, Leadership Traits, Teacher Retention, Job Satisfaction, Teacher Turnover, and Teacher Perception of Leaders. Results indicated that there was no difference in teacher job satisfaction level based on principals' leadership traits. However, there was a significant relationship between the dimensions of leadership traits and teacher job satisfaction (r = 0.48-0.82; p < 0.0001). It is recommended that further studies be conducted on visible warning signs of lower satisfaction levels to help prevent the possibility of teachers leaving a school or the profession. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]