Here Come the Women
In 1909, Ella Flagg Young, superintendent of Chicago public schools,
made her now-famous prediction:
In the near future, we shall have more women than men in charge of
the vast educational system. It is a womenıs natural field, and she is no
longer satisfied to do the larger part of the work and yet be denied
leadership.
Nevertheless, only 5 % of superintendents today are women, even
though teaching remains a predominantly female profession. (McGrath,
1992) Several specific groups must share responsibility for the future
of women in administrative roles. School boards, superintendents, and
colleges must seek out and encourage women to prepare for
administrative positions. Awareness must be raised and skills courses
developed to help women pursue their goals. Women often need
familiarization with aspects of the school organization from which
they are generally excluded, such as building maintenance and
facilities management, business and finance, and athletics. (Conner & Sharp, 1992)
Conner & Sharp conclude ... major professions education organizations
and leading educational journals need to assume a larger leadership
role in raising awareness of womenıs concerns and issues. (1992)
Perhaps members of the prevailing culture have little reason to
reflect on the abysmally small gains that women have made in their
careers as educators over the past twenty years. Dramatically and
persistently highlighting the gender inequities in the organizational
structure of schools can provide part of the impetus necessary to
truly restructure schools. (Conner & Sharp, 1992)
Links
Homepage
Introduction
Leadership Theory
What makes Women Different
Barriers to Success
Job Satisfaction
Leadership Styles
Overall Expectations
Emotional Managers
Career Paths
Mentorship
References
Bibliography