Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Doctor of Education
Major
Adult & Higher Education
Date of Defense
5-18-2015
Graduate Advisor
Davis,Matthew Donald
Committee
Lynn Beckwith
Corrine Harmon
Gwendolyn Turner
Abstract
Abstract Women, particularly African American women, have been underrepresented in educational administrative leadership at the level of public school district superintendent. Because so few women currently hold the position of public school district superintendent, studies on the characteristics of individuals who become public school district superintendents have almost exclusively been focused on men; therefore the role of school district superintendent has continued to elude very qualified women particularly African American women and other women of color who seek the position of superintendent. This study addressed the perceptions, barriers, and challenges which impede the advancement of African American females who aspire to the position of public school district superintendency. This study was limited to a sample size of six African American female superintendents. A narrative inquiry methodology utilized the semi-standardized interview which identified reoccurring themes. Reflections of successful African American female superintendents are revealed to encourage more African American female aspirants to seek the public school superintendency and thereby shattering the glass ceiling impacted by race and gender. The study provided implications for African American females who aspire to the superintendency, relative to preparation, practice, and policy.
OCLC Number
914319596
Recommended Citation
Pruitt, Joylynn LaGrace, "The Underrepresentation of African American Female Public School Superintendents: Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling of Race and Gender" (2015). Dissertations. 172.
https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/172