Women in educational administration : perspectives of the rural female administrator
Date
1999
Authors
Pearman, Sharidale E. E
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1999
Abstract
The visibility of women in educational administration has increased only slowly in the
last twenty years in rural Canada. The increase has not been commensurate with the
percentage of women in the education profession. The movement of women into the
highly coveted high school principalships and senior administrative positions is still
relatively limited. This paper explores the historical perspectives and the conceptual
frameworks of women in administration, the various barriers women face in the
advancement up the educational administrative ladder, and ways to help eliminate the
barriers. Furthermore, it examines the role that "feminine leadership" plays in current
educational leadership theories. Much of the literature relative to this topic focuses
primarily on the perspectives of urban administrators; there is a distinct lack of research
on the female rural administrator. This paper outlines three case studies of three rural
female administrators in Southwestern Saskatchewan, and analyzes their unique
perspectives and insights. The study finds that there is an increasing proportion of
women administrators in rural postings in the two school divisions researched and that
female principals in these settings face a unique set of challenges that include
professional isolation, heavy workloads and constant scrutiny. Although these
administrators find their work very challenging, they find rewards in the personal
relationships and contact with staff and students. It is hoped that an examination of this
type can contribute to a critical look into the issue of the visibility of female
administrators in contemporary education.
Description
vi, 94 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Education, Rural -- Saskatchewan , Women school administrators -- Saskatchewan -- Case studies , Women in education -- Saskatchewan , Educational leadership -- Saskatchewan