Rose, Shirley A (2013-05). An Autoethnographic Study: An African American Woman's Perception of her Journey to the Principalship. Doctoral Dissertation.
Thesis
The purpose of this qualitative autoethnographic study was to add to the research of African American female secondary principals. Most research in the field of education concerning women reflects women in general and is not specific to African American women. More research is needed for and by African American women as it pertains to the study of female leadership on secondary public school campuses. The traditional high school principal is White, male, married, and middle income. With the inception of President Obama's Race to the Top and the age of accountability, the traditional building principal motif is changing. Accountability and higher standards have changed just about every aspect of education.
his autoethnography represents my professional journey as it pertains to obtaining a principalship in a high school. As the story was written, it became apparent though my writings in order to explain the journey, it was evident I needed to share my life experiences about who I am to further bring understanding and clarity to the study. Being Black and female, compounded by the attainment of a high level of education, predictably creates problems on both a professional and personal level. The research is shared through traditional research methods as well as vignettes or anecdotes to tell the story. Storytelling is important because it adds context to the situation and allows the reader not only to comprehend but to also become part of the experience.
The review of the literature for this autoethnographic journey signified African American women as a renewed prototype for effective school leadership, especially as it pertained to schools with placed at-risk children. Theoretical framework included Womanism, Critical Race Theory, Female Leadership, Cultural Identity, Principal Leadership and the history of African Americans as educational leaders.
My findings, based on research presented, although scarcity exists among African American female high school principals; we are now believed to possess the qualities necessary for a school to be successful. This scarcity is caused by lack of African American mentors and sexism and/or racism in hiring practices.
