Black Women in K-12 Leadership Positions Perceptions About the Challenges of Obtaining a Position
Date of Conferral
10-16-2023
Degree
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
School
Education
Advisor
Katherine Garlough
Abstract
The research problem of this qualitative study was the underrepresentation of Black women in K-12 leadership positions in the United States (U.S.). This study is important because the underrepresentation of Black women in K-12 leadership positions in the U.S. remains challenging. The purpose of the study was to explore Black women’s challenges in seeking leadership positions. Grounded in the conceptual framework of intersectionality, which recognizes the interaction of multiple social identities, the research question examined Black women’s perceptions of the challenges of obtaining leadership roles in K-12 education. In this qualitative basic inquiry, a self-designed, semi-structured interview protocol with open-ended questions was used to explore the challenges of obtaining leadership roles, focusing on how race and gender influence Black women in obtaining K-12 leadership. The sample of 10 participants was selected based on their experience in educational leadership in the U.S. and self-identification as Black women. Through thematic analysis, patterns related to the research question were derived through coding, categorizing, and identifying themes. Findings revealed that the intersection of race and gender amplifies the unique obstacles faced by Black women seeking K-12 leadership positions. These obstacles include systemic barriers, lack of mentorship, expectations for code-switching, micro-aggressions from stereotyping, and over-scrutiny of credentials. Recommendations include evaluating intervention efficacy and observing policies enhancing diversity. The implications for positive social change include urging educational entities to revisit hiring practices to catalyze shifts towards inclusiveness to increase the representation of Black women in K-12 leadership.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Whitney Brown, "Black Women in K-12 Leadership Positions Perceptions About the Challenges of Obtaining a Position" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14981.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14981
