Abstract

Women in the United States are underrepresented in high school principalships. A review of literature identified specific barriers that have historically contributed to this disparity including role congruity, normative male dominance, and gender bias against women. Furthermore, the high school principalship has been defined over time from a male perspective assumed to be the universal reality leaving the unique career experiences of female high school principals glossed over and often misunderstood. Similar barriers most likely have also contributed to the underrepresentation of female high school principals in Utah, yet intentional studies analyzing their unique career journeys have not been completed. A lack of understanding and awareness of the female high school principal experience in Utah may also leave their unique experience glossed over and misunderstood. The purpose of this study was to increase awareness of the unique professional journey of female high school principals in Utah and to potentially adjust the male-gendered lens through which this leadership position has traditionally been viewed. A narrative, phenomenological qualitative research approach was used to gather and analyze the career journeys of six female high school principals in Utah. The findings of this study indicated female high school principals in Utah have experienced similar barriers in their career journeys as those identified in the literature. Mentored support and examples of inclusive leadership practices assisted these women in moving through and beyond these barriers. The findings of this study imply that a male-gendered leadership lens continues to impact the careers of female high school principals in Utah; however, increasing an awareness of their unique career journeys may promote a transformation away from this perspective and generate a high school principal experience that is more inclusive and refined.

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Educational Leadership and Foundations

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/