Date of Award
2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Education
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore how African American female principals leading predominantly White schools experienced their leadership role and to provide a narrative of those findings identifying barriers and successes in their position. Numerous scholars have noted a lack of research pertaining to African American women in leadership and have encouraged further research to be completed. Specifically, this study identified successful African American principals leading predominantly White schools and provided a voice for their experiences. Findings from this study could provide critical information in understanding African American leadership style and create a discourse for those in Educational leadership preparations programs, policy makers, and human resource departments on the lack of African American women hired for positions in which they are the minority. Several salient themes emerged from the narratives these women shared. Primary themes identified in the research study included (a) shared leadership style underscored by democratic principles enables support in the professional capacity, (b) racist ideologies due to implicit bias and stereotypes continue to exist, which included a subtheme of angry Black woman seeming to be a commonly used stereotype, (c) the perception of others causes feelings of self-doubt and isolation, (d) having established mentors allows greater access toward upward mobility, and (e) improved outcomes for all students is the benchmark for success.
Recommended Citation
Thorpe, Crystal, "Glass Ceiling Breakthrough A Phenomenological Study Of African American Female Principals Leading Predominantly White Schools" (2019). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1629.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1629