Education Commons^™

Examining The Career Experiences Among Oregon Female School Superintendents, Heather Hutchinson Cordie

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Despite representing the majority of the teaching ranks in our K-12 public school systems, women continue to be underrepresented in the position of K-12 superintendent. Women make-up approximately 65% of the educational workforce, yet they only fill about 14% of the superintendent positions (Brunner, 2000). Research indicates that women experience different career paths from their male counterparts, their opportunities to benefit from mentors and other, formal/informal support structures are quite different, and the definition and description of their role varies considerably as the ascend to the role of superintendent. This study explores the experiences of four women who serve as …