Challenges and Strategies for Women at State Education Agencies

• In Event: Women in Educational Leadership: Understanding Stress, Emotional Labor, and Resilience in Unique Contexts

Abstract

Women serve in leadership positions at a much different proportion than men. In education, there is a shift that occurs in contrast from the classroom setting to those serving in leadership; females are represented to a greater degree in classrooms than in leadership capacities. This is also reflected as a disparity when we ultimately those serving in state education agencies. This case study offers insight into the challenges and strategies used by women serving in executive capacities at state agencies to offer insight for other women in educational leadership roles. These considerations offer women and men serving women leaders proactive awareness related to their work and environments as well. The sample included women from state educational agencies, currently or previously serving at the cabinet or executive level.
Through this analysis, it confirmed that women in educational leadership face many challenges to attain success. These challenges are not reflective of only the work environment but include challenges in the home and family space as well. Women seeking these opportunities should consider the strategies to offset the defined challenges, and employers should consider the types of support that women may need to attain success across personal and professional aspects. These include navigating boundaries across environments, leveraging other women professional networks, and evaluating the culture of an organization prior to engagement. For employers, the establishment of a mentorship program and continued professional learning may be beneficial for the success of the individual and their service within the state education agency.

Author

• Charity Ann Flores, Flores Consulting Group