1. Persistence in the superintendency : Latina superintendents’ perspectives
- Author
-
Olivarez, Adelaida
- Subjects
- Gender gap, Gender equity, Inhibitor, Latina, Motivator, School board, Board of trustees, Latina superintendents, Latina superintendent motivators, Latina superintendent inhibitors, Latina superintendent strategies, Texas Latina superintendents, Texas superintendents
- Abstract
The role of superintendent is complex and evolving. The pool of viable superintendent candidates may be facing an impending shortage over the next several years. This paper examines the most viable motivators and inhibitors that superintendents report for persisting in the role and conversely, for considering exiting the field. Motivators consist of altruistic reasons for serving including the desire to make a difference, building a leadership team, the ability to affect communities, be an agent of change, and to transform school organizations. The inhibitors highlight superintendents’ concerns with school finance models, increased stressors and time commitment for the job, the politics of conflict with their school boards, and a lack of minority representation. The literature provides recommendations for mitigating inhibitors, including increased training and communication to support healthy superintendent-board relations, diversifying the pool of candidates, and raising awareness in leadership preparation programs for the management of job stressors. These measures are critical to the vitality of the superintendency, especially in light of a shrinking pool of viable, diversified candidates. A study was conducted to identify the inhibitors, motivators, and strategies for three Latina superintendents serving in the superintendent role in Texas. The study design was a qualitative multiple-case study of the phenomenon of the Latina superintendents within their contextual environments. Data for the study were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. The study findings reveal recommendations for leveraging motivators, alleviating inhibitors, and removing access barriers for Latina aspirants to the role
- Published
- 2019