Her Story: A Qualitative Study of the Journey of the African American Woman Superintendent

• In Event: Roundtable Session 70
  In Roundtable Session: Women at the Margins

Abstract

Although statistical data reveal the disproportion among males and women in superintendent positions, the data also report a greater discrepancy in the number of African American women who have obtained superintendent positions. This qualitative study examines how race and gender affect African American women in the role of superintendent. The participants of the study will be five African American women superintendents on the east coast of the United States. Critical race theory, Black feminist thought, and the theory of double consciousness, in conjunction with in-depth, self-in-relationship interviews, will be utilized to determine how race and gender impact African American women aspirants to the superintendency and how they lead upon their appointment to that position.

Authors

• Linda K. Lemasters, The George Washington University

• Jamill Ray Jones, Portsmouth Public Schools

• Virginia Roach, Bank Street College of Education