Meeting the challenge : three women educational leaders tell their story
Date
1996
Authors
Barker, Patty Jo
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : Faculty of Education, University of Lethbridge, 1996
Abstract
Although statistics obtained from Alberta Education reveal that more women
are achieving positions in administration, the rate of increase hardly indicates that
Alberta has arrived at the threshold of achieving gender equity in educational
administration. A number of researchers attribute the low representation to the
"glass ceiling" or barriers which prevent women from achieving formal positions
of leadership. Women's inability to gain access to mentors and networks within
the hierarchical structure of school systems is another significant factor which
many researchers relate to the underrepresentation of women in administration.
Yet, despite encountering what the literature describes as almost insurmountable
barriers, there are women who have survived the perils and have risen from the
ashes to attain formal positions of leadership. This study explores the true nature
of the female in educational administration through the lived experiences of three
such survivors, who continually strive to meet the challenges associated with their
administrative positions. The literature review and responses to interviews focus
on three significant areas: barriers, mentorship and the leadership experience.
Through their stories the three women administrators reveal how they perceive
their administrative positions in terms of barriers they may have encountered, mentor relationships developed, and their style of leadership. An analysis of their
experiences and a comparison to those described in the literature is documented
throughout the study.
Alberta Education's dismal statistics indicate that many female administrative
aspirants often abandon their pursuit of leadership positions. Perhaps by providing
"voice" to these women administrators' stories, women administrative aspirants
will not only have the opportunity to gain insight into the scarcely inhabited world
of women in administration, but also experience empowerment through their
honest words of encouragement and advice.
Description
viii, 98 leaves ; 29 cm.
Keywords
School administrators -- Alberta -- Selection and appointment , School administrators -- Alberta -- Biography