ERIC Number: EJ1225317
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0273-446X
EISSN: N/A
Becoming a Principal: Access Factors for Females
Kruse, Rae Ann; Krumm, Bernita L.
Rural Educator, v37 n2 p28-38 Sum 2016
Guided by Standpoint Theory, researchers conducted this case study to identify factors influencing access to Oklahoma's secondary school principalship for four female first-time principals. Regardless of equity legislation and increasing numbers of females with advanced degrees, the numbers of men and women who hold secondary school administration positions continue to be disproportionate to their numbers in the teaching profession. Three standpoints emerged: In the transition from teacher to administrator, each participant was nurtured by another individual; male sponsors were their primary encouragers; and participants had strong emotional investments in the schools and communities of their employment. Aspiring female principals should cultivate strong support systems, seek out mentors, and strengthen their professional networks. Accepting stepping-stone administrative positions may be an essential starting point for aspiring female secondary principals; administrative skills can be gained through internships, assistant principal positions, and administrative positions in lower grade levels.
Descriptors: Principals, Women Administrators, Case Studies, Secondary Schools, Females, Disproportionate Representation, Equal Opportunities (Jobs), Mentors, Social Support Groups, Networks, Occupational Aspiration, Assistant Principals, Internship Programs, School Administration, Gender Differences, Administrator Attitudes
National Rural Education Association. e-mail: theruraleducator@gmail.com; Web site: https://journals.library.msstate.edu/ruraled
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Oklahoma
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A