Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the personal experiences, professional experiences, traits, personal barriers, professional barriers, career paths, motivators, and mentoring experiences that contributed to the success of five selected successful female superintendents. A second purpose was to describe the advice that these five successful female superintendents had for females aspiring to the superintendency. Methodology. The subjects in the present study were 5 successful female superintendents throughout California. Subjects responded to an individual interview guide utilizing 10 semi-structured and open-ended questions regarding their personal and professional experiences, traits, personal and professional barriers, career paths, motivators, mentoring experiences, and advice. Qualitative methods for data analysis were utilized, and data were analyzed by content. Data were reported and displayed through matrix analysis and narrative text. Findings. Examination of qualitative data from the five successful female superintendents in California indicated that these females experienced strong, supportive, and encouraging family relationships. Second, they all had high standards set for them by family members, as well as high expectations communicated to them regarding their future. Third, all of the subjects had advanced graduate degrees. Fourth, they had numerous and varied personal and professional experiences that prepared them for the position of superintendent. Fifth, the data showed that the subjects benefited from mentoring by male professors and superintendents. Additionally, it was also found that the majority of common experiences, traits, barriers, career paths, mentoring, and advice shared by all of the females focused on their gender, common traits and teaching backgrounds, intrinsic motivation, high personal expectations, and strong relationships with grandparents. Conclusions. The study data support the conclusion that successful female superintendents are more likely to have benefited from early and strong family support, having high expectations set for them regarding their futures, mentoring relationships, having numerous and varied personal and professional experiences, and the obtainment of advanced graduate degrees. Recommendations. Further research is advised. Descriptive-correlational studies of successful female superintendents and successful male superintendents would enrich the current understanding of the personal and professional experiences, traits, personal and professional barriers, career paths, motivators, mentoring experiences, and advice of each group of subjects. Also, it is recommended that the study be replicated with a greater number of subjects throughout California. Furthermore, it is recommended that a descriptive-correlational study be conducted to determine if there is a link between the success of female superintendents and variables such as family support, motivation, expectation, and encouragement.