Abstract
Abstract
The gender gap in the superintendent role continues to plague the educational system across the nation. Female school teachers drastically outnumber female superintendents, which limits the number of women superintendents who are available to serve as mentors. Until women can access superintendent positions in an equitable manner, this gender imbalance will continue. The purpose of this study was to explore current Iowa women superintendents' perceptions and experiences with seeking and operating in the superintendency, and understand their perceptions on the strengths and weaknesses of the mentoring support available for new superintendents. The findings confirm that participants in this study had a variety of experiences with seeking and operating in the superintendent role, and share common views on the mentoring support provided to female superintendents. The three themes identified in this study include: (a) the push to advance, (b) navigating the challenges of being a female superintendent, (c) the gender gap creates feelings of isolation. Learning about the experiences and perceptions of current female superintendents can help to increase longevity in the position by removing identified barriers and eliminating some of the challenges that were brought to light. This study fills a research gap specific to the underrepresentation of female superintendents in Iowa.
Recommended Citation
Dotson, Jillian and Townsley, Matt
(2026)
"The Gender Gap: Exploring Superintendents’ Perceptions and Experiences in Iowa,"
Journal of Organizational & Educational Leadership: Vol. 12:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/joel/vol12/iss1/4