Author: Kitty SummersPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Career development
Languages : en
Pages : 70
Book Description
This qualitative study explored the phenomenon of career pathways of public school superintendents in the Greater Capital Region of New York State. The study explored the career pathways of sixteen superintendents and their perceptions of career pathways and experiences that influenced attainment of the superintendency. This study was guided by the following primary research questions: What were the career pathways of the superintendents? What were the superintendents' perceptions of their career pathways and the experiences that influenced the attainment of the superintendency? The exploration of career pathways and perceptions of experiences that influenced attainment of the superintendency were examined utilizing the factor of years of service and gender. Career pathways findings revealed that superintendents followed a career pathway that included teaching, building level position, and central office experience before obtaining the position of superintendent. Findings revealed that superintendents' experiences must be vast and diverse to prepare system leaders for success. The experiences in the position of assistant superintendent were most noted by participants as being the most valued position in which to gain knowledge and experience as a system leader. The findings indicated that the perspectives of both males and females were similar concerning experiences and skill set deemed most valued by participants. This included experiences in communication, relationships, instructional leadership, management of budget, deep understanding of how 'politics' works, and awareness of legislative issues. Factors that influenced attainment included skill set development, the concept of 'fit' to the district, and the roles of mentors during the career pathway, and in some cases, for women, the approval and guidance of an influential male.