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The Lived Experiences of African American Female Superintendents

Mason, Patrese A.

Abstract Details

2016, Doctor of Education (EdD), Ohio University, Educational Administration (Education).
The superintendency is the most male-dominated position in education (Alston, 2000; Brunner, 2000). Statistical data report disproportionality in the number of African American women who have obtained superintendency. Women, particularly African American women, have continued to obtain certification and fulfill degree requirements, yet often do not ascend to the position of superintendency (Glass & Franceschini, 2007). This research study focuses on the phenomenon of the underrepresentation of African American women in the position of superintendency. This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of six African American females in the role of K-12 public superintendent. Three research questions guided the study and were centered around the participants’ perceptions of superintendency, the impact of race and gender on their role and strategies for the aspiring superintendent. The study was conducted through the use of semi-structured interviews with African American women superintendents in the United States. Bandura’s theory, critical race theory and Black feminist thought were utilized as frameworks to better understand participants’ lived experiences as superintendents. The results of the study yielded three emergent themes: (a) stereotypes, (b) positionality and (c) mentorship relationships. Through the voices of study participants, their experiences as public school superintendents provide a comprehensive perspective for aspiring superintendents, hiring consultants, school boards, educational leadership programs and policy makers.
Yegan Pillay (Advisor)
142 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mason, P. A. (2016). The Lived Experiences of African American Female Superintendents [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1450790580

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mason, Patrese. The Lived Experiences of African American Female Superintendents . 2016. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1450790580.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mason, Patrese. "The Lived Experiences of African American Female Superintendents ." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1450790580

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)