Dissertation
A phenomenological study: exploring female superintendents' lived experiences to understand factors related to their superintendency career paths in Pennsylvania
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Mar 2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/9pz5-eg04
Abstract
This research explored lived experiences of female superintendents to understand factors that supported or created barriers for women in their career advancement while becoming a superintendent. A phenomenological study design framework was applied to the research to explore the journey women faced including the successes, struggles, and level of support they experienced during their career paths. Background research examined leadership roles, which address gender bias, ratio of female to male principals and superintendents, and other gender specific issues. In this study, seven female superintendents in the state of Pennsylvania were interviewed using a semi-structured one-on-one interview process. From the data, four themes emerged including, (a) Challenges They Faced, (b) Finding Balance, (c) Supporting Factors, and (d) Positive Attributes of the Job . A few recommendations to help increase the number of females in leadership positions include the concept of networking with other females for support purposes and to create a mentoring program that could be implemented by any school district nationwide.
Metrics
86 File views/ downloads
101 Record Views
Details
- Title
- A phenomenological study
- Creators
- Melissa Egri McCauley - DU
- Contributors
- Joyce A. Pittman (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 110 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 9352; 991014632437904721