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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)

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Homepage
Introduction
Leadership Theory
What makes Women Different
Barriers to Success
Job Satisfaction
Leadership Styles
Overall Expectations
Emotional Managers
Career Paths
Mentorship
References
Bibliography