This study was designed to examine the extent to which candidates' health-related physical and behavioral characteristics influence the attitudes, perceptions, and hiring practices of school administrators. A focus group of school administrators was conducted to assess the content validity of the 61-item questionnaire. The survey was subsequently distributed to a group of school administrators attending an education career fair at a large Midwestern university. One hundred and twelve instruments were completed and returned. Fifty-two percent of the sample was male and the majority (62%) were 45 years of age or older. Seventy-two percent reported their race as “Caucasian”. A master's degree or higher had been obtained by 78 percent of the sample. Fifty percent of the administrators reported having 5 or fewer years of experience, and 87 percent represented a public school. Although 82 percent indicated they would employ a teacher that was visibly overweight, only 35 percent indicated they would do so if the person was designated as a physical educator or health educator. When asked “If you had two suitable job applicants, one who was overweight and one who was of ‘average' weight, would this influence your decision?” over half indicated that it would not. However, when asked the same question in reference to a health or physical education position, 70 percent responded that their decision would be influenced. Sixty-seven percent stated that they would employ a teacher whom they suspected smoked cigarettes, while only 45 percent would do so if the person was to teach health education or physical education. When asked “If you had two suitable job applicants for a physical education and/or health education position, one who smelled of cigarettes and one who did not, would this influence your decision?” 80 percent indicated “Yes”. Interestingly, the percentage remained high (72%) when the question referred to a non-health or physical education position. When the administrators were asked if they would employ a teacher with visible body art, 53 percent indicated “yes” to a person with a tattoo while only 38 percent would consider a person with a piercing anywhere other than the ear. Again, when provided the opportunity to choose between equally qualified candidates, 65 percent said they would be influenced by a visible tattoo and 77 percent indicated the same for a body piercing. These results indicate a need for discussion of these topics between academic counselors and students enrolled in teacher education programs.Keyword(s): administration/mgmt, professional preparation, student issues