Women Who Navigated the Trajectory to Superintendent: The Role of Special Education

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Examining Women's Paths Into and Experience in Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of six women who navigated the trajectory to the position of superintendent. The guiding research question was how do women who lead suburban school districts of various size describe their trajectory to the position of superintendent? Themes that emerged from the one-to-one interviews were academic and professional preparation and the transferability of skills obtained from their special education background. Recommendations for boards of education and search firms include broadening the pipeline to include more women in the position of superintendent whose pathway is traditional for their professional experiences.

Authors

• Teresa Grossane, St. John's University

• Stephanie L. Tatum, St. John's University