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CRITICAL THEORY AND LEADERSHIP PRACTICES

Perspectives on Leadership: Race, Gender and the

Superintendency–A National Study

Now women have more of a chance, but I still think
that a man in most cases has a better chance.
Female Superintendent
reflecting on leadership and gender (2007)

Effie N. Christie, Jerry L. Jackson and Gerard Babo

INTRODUCTION

Since the early 1980’s researchers have questioned the underrepresentation of women in
political systems, corporate upper management positions and leadership positions in public
education specifically, the disproportionate number of males to females in teaching as
opposed to the American superintendency. This study examined career paths, obstacles and
the prejudice women experienced en route to the superintendency, the role of school boards
and community, gatekeepers and graduate school preparation programs validated in the voices
of the female superintendents. The researchers also focused on the specific challenges faced
by African American female superintendents and the demographics of the districts they serve.
“Black women superintendents grew up doubly marginal in society, as females and African
Americans” (Jackson, 1999, in Brunner, p. 141).

Survey Development

The survey was developed through an examination of the current literature, a review of
the 2000 AASA study (Glass, Bjork & .Brunner), and identified issues related to the
recruitment and hiring of females, both white and African American. The survey probed
topics relevant to the career paths of the female superintendents, their perceptions of
themselves and how they believed others viewed them including community, colleagues,
board of education members and the public, in their quest for the position. Specific survey
questions were posed to establish a profile of leadership issues faced by women and garner
information that could assist them, their mentors and aspirants to avoid the known pitfalls. A
summary of the items included in this paper are as follows:

• District demographics; were women leading large, small or middle size districts and
  the issues connected to this phenomenon, if any;


• Experience level and age of the first superintendency and if these factors were
  impacting on entry into administration;


• Salary issues; were women being paid on an equal par with their male counterparts;

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  Effie N. Christie, Kean University
  Jerry L. Jackson, Kean University
  Gerard Babo, Kean University