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Women in Education Leadership

Kathleen McCartneyThis week 54 female education leaders from around the world are participating in a unique learning institute where they will learn how to drive organizational change. The three-day institute, Women in Education Leadership, offered by  Programs in Professional Education, provides opportunities for personal growth and renewal of like-minded women, the enhancement of leadership skills, and better positioning for personal and organizational success.

Deborah Jewell-ShermanThe institute co-chairs, Dean Kathleen McCartney and Senior Lecturer Deborah Jewell-Sherman, answer some questions about the role of women in education leadership and this special program.

We often hear about how there are more women in the education field than men. Even at HGSE the enrollment rates usually tip more toward women. Is this not the case for women leaders in education? 

Kathleen McCartney: Although women account for about 25 percent of district superintendents, they comprise more than half of school principals and over 80 percent of teachers. The education sector needs to do more to build a pipeline of women leaders.

Deborah Jewell-Sherman: And we in the sector have got to be thoughtful and innovative about the ways we support and enhance the leadership of these women as they move into their new positions. For example, gains have been made in the number of superintendents but these women are often singletons among a much larger pool of men. And while the number of principals is significant, most are at the elementary level rather than distributed more evenly along the PreK–12 continuum.

What inspired you to become involved in this institute?

KM: Some women value the opportunity to learn from other women leaders. We wanted to create a safe space for open discussions on issues pertaining to gender and leadership.

DJS: Within that safe space, women leaders will be able to learn from and connect with others experiencing similar challenges and opportunities.

What are some of the unique challenges facing women in education leadership roles?

KM: Studies show that women are still viewed as “risky” appointments for senior leadership roles and that the behaviors people associate with leadership, for example assertiveness, are viewed as unattractive for women. There is still a persistent and unconscious belief that men make better leaders than women.

DJS: Finding ways to demonstrate and calibrate their strength and voice as leaders is a challenge for many women and during WIL our participants are exposed to numerous leadership styles through presenters and other attendees.

Can you share some highlights from this institute?

KM: The program is truly extraordinary — the institute promises to be a transformative experience for everyone involved. Participants will learn skills like negotiation and team building, and they will have workshops on change leadership. I am especially looking forward to hearing from Deborah Bial, founder and president of the Posse Foundation, who will receive the Anne Roe Award and give an Askwith Forum entitled “Protecting Opportunity in America: The Risk of Doing Nothing.”

DJS: The institute also has numerous opportunities for women to learn with and from each other and ideally expand their professional networks.

What do you hope participants/leaders take away from this institute?

KM: We have three goals for this institute. First, we are providing opportunities for participants to develop skill sets that leadership requires. Second, we are providing opportunities for participants to reflect on their journeys as leaders and challenges to their personal development. Third, we are providing opportunities for participants to develop action plans they can implement when they return to their workplaces.

DJS: And in affording participants opportunities to do this among other leaders, we are hoping that those who share similar jobs, ambitions, life goals, and stages in their careers will connect with other women and perhaps enhance those bonds even after the institute.

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