Journal of K-12 Educational Research 17 explained how she had been told that she makes “pretty good money for a woman.” Male Participant 11 stated that search firms are biased “in that they often include the spouse in the interview process. So, the board is interviewing a man and their female partner.” Professional organizations should continue to develop and improve their mentoring programs with a focus on reaching more women who aspire to serve in the role of superintendent. An abundance of literature exists on the topic of mentoring in educational leadership (Higginbottom & Robinson, 2019). The participants of the current study rated the lack of mentors as one of the top five barriers women face. A gap exists between the extensive knowledge of mentors and the comprehensive application of mentoring. Women who desire to advance into leadership positions experience fewer developed mentoring systems (Denneson, 2016; Lane-Washington & Wilson-Jones, 2015. Women superintendents need to further study effective mentoring and then take the time to implement the new learning. Since 74% of superintendents are men, it could be more difficult for women to find a mentor. In the current study, men and women noted the lack of mentors to be a barrier. Conclusions In summation, the field of education should continue to strive for continuous improvement in all areas, especially the area of hiring processes and biases related to selecting a superintendent. Having honest, respectful dialogue about processes and systems that may be outdated and inherent with bias should take priority. Women and men should not have allegiances or alliances. Educators should work together as one, crossing lines and reaching out to one another to do what is best for students. The role of the superintendent is critical in today’s rapidly changing society. Studies are reporting more superintendents are retiring and looking for other work (EAB, 2022). In the coming years, the need for strong, effective, caring leaders is critical to the success of public education. Supporting the many women prepared to serve in this critical role should be a priority for society. References American Association of School Administrators. (2020). The American superintendent: 2020 decennial study. http:// nce.aasa.org/aasas-decennial-study-defines-current- state-of-the-superintendency/ Bryant, J. (2022). Women continue to outnumber men in college completion. Best Colleges. https://www. bestcolleges.com/news/analysis/2021/11/19/women- complete-college-more-than-men/ Brunner, C. C. (2000). Principles of power: Women superintendents and the riddle of the heart. State University of New York Press. Charles-Lynch, E. (2017). Women’s quest to occupy executive positions in corporate America. [Doctoral dissertation, Walden University]. ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global. Creswell, J., & Baez, J. (2021). 30 essential skills for the qualitative researcher (2nd ed.). Sage. Davis, S. A. (2010). Navigating the labyrinth: Women school superintendents in North Carolina [Unpublished doctoral dissertation] Appalacian State University. http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/listing.aspx?id=6966 Denneson, A. (2016). The impact of mentorship on women superintendents in Minnesota. Culminating Projects in Education Administration and Leadership. 20. https:// repository.stcloudstate.edu/edad_etds/20 Derrington, M., & Sharratt, G. (2009a). Female superintendents: Breaking barriers and challenging life styles. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 75(2), 8–12. Derrington, M. L., & Sharratt, G. C. (2009b). Self-imposed barriers. School Administrator, 66(8), 18–21. De Welde, K., & Laursen, S. (2011). The glass obstacle course: Informal and formal barriers for women PhD students in STEM fields. International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology, 3(3), 571-595. Dobie, D. F., & Hummel, B. (2001). Successful women superintendents in a gender-biased profession. Equity and Excellence in Education, 34(2), 22–28. https:// doi.org/10.1080/1066568010340204 EAB. (2022). 2022 Voice of the superintendent survey. https:// ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f2018b5d- a9d9-4fb3-96c3-167c92c3cd92#:~:text=The%20first%20 round%20of%20the,and%20perspectives%20of Eagly, A., & Carli, L. (2007). Through the labyrinth: The truth about how women become leaders. Harvard Business Press. Eagly, A. H., & Carli, L. L. (2009). Navigating the labyrinth.
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