Why MNT2LEAD?

I consider myself an accidental leader. Growing up I loved school and always wanted to be a teacher. My younger sister was born when I was seven years old and I was certain the sole purpose of her existence was to be the pupil in my imaginary school. It never occurred to me even after I secured my first teaching job many years later that I had the capacity to lead. 

But I was fortunate early in my career to have someone believe in me, and champion my growth and advancement. I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of leadership roles including leading a dynamic, thriving international school with 1600 students from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade.

Fast forward a whole lot of years from being a neophyte leader and I am still fascinated by the unique experiences of female leaders. So much so that I’m completing a doctoral program in educational leadership with a dissertation focused on the underrepresentation of women in educational leadership. And I have grown so much.

Now I want to share what I’ve learned with others.

So You Want To Lead?

Shockingly, the odds aren’t necessarily in your favor if you are a female educator aspiring to lead, even in a workforce comprised largely of women. Consider this:

• Around 33% of US independent school heads are women 

• Women average over 70% of all US K-12 public school teaching positions, but only 30% of all educational leadership roles 

• Less than 40% of secondary headteachers in the UK are women

• Approximately 45% of Lower and Secondary Principals worldwide are women

It makes one wonder why, in a profession that has always been so heavily populated by women, do gender equity issues still exist within school leadership? What prevents women from “shattering the glass ceiling?”

Learning From Those At The Top

 The good news is that women who have attained roles at the top are sharing their stories, providing insight into their success, and helping pave the way for the next generation of educational leaders. I’ve been heartened by the courageous stories of women who despite the odds, have begun to change the landscape of educational leadership.

Interviews with educational trailblazers such as Shirley Hufstedler, Michelle Rhee and Wendy Kopp for a 2011 study revealed that in addition to personal qualities such as persistence and talent, being supported both by female mentors on the job and by spouses and family at home enabled women to reach positions most often held by men. 

Further, those interviewed suggested that formal mentorship programs specifically designed for women--job sharing, child-care and flexible hours--are programs that enable women to balance family responsibilities with work demands. 

The Struggle Is Real

My research illuminates the very real struggles women face trying to attain or maintain (and thrive) in a leadership role. Anecdotes from women in public, private, US and international schools documented in journals, dissertations and interviews report that women, regardless of the setting, face similar obstacles including:

• gendered norms about leadership 

• unconscious and conscious bias

• lack of opportunity/pipeline

• lack of mentors/role models

• lack of confidence 

• unsupportive colleagues (female and male)

• childcare and familial obligations

• work-life balance

But you shouldn’t be discouraged. Progress is slow but it is happening! Organizations that actively promote gender equity, mentor and leadership programs, flexible workplaces and individual efforts are all emerging. Shedding a light on the challenges women educational leaders face is just one piece of the puzzle we still need to solve. YOU can be part of the solution. 

Collaboration is Key

Female educators need to work collaboratively across schools, districts, organizations, and countries in an effort to bring about change. Mentor one aspiring leader, promote opportunities for women, support women in your community, foster a culture where inclusion and acceptance is the norm, advocate for flexible workplaces, say yes to innovative supports generated by women themselves. Collectively, we have the power to make a difference.

Gender equity in educational leadership is not just a female issue and it's not just good for women.  All schools benefit from the perspectives and experiences of a diverse and inclusive leadership team. It’s our children, seeing themselves reflected in their school leaders, who benefit the most. 

The Path Forward

My path to leadership was born out of someone else’s belief in me which gave me the courage to take a chance, and the support of several outstanding leaders (both female and male) who were there to help navigate the challenges. Having a mentor made all the difference. But not everyone is blessed with such an abundance of support. 

Mentors Make the Difference

MNT2LEAD was designed as a “virtual mentor,” providing women leaders with relevant, up-to-date information to help them achieve their goals. Together, we can build a community of female educational leaders that support each other’s dreams, share strategies that help overcome the barriers that keep us from achieving equity and celebrate our successes. I invite you to join me in this important educational issue. Be a part of the growing MNT2LEAD family.