African American Superintendent Perceptions and Experiences with the Recruitment, Selection and Promotion Process
Faculty Advisor
Elizabeth Reilly, Ed.D.
Files
Loading...
Abstract
The underrepresentation of African Americans in the superintendency in K-12 school districts across the United States is a problem of significant concern especially due to the high need as for strong leaders of colors. This qualitative study explored and examined the perceptions of 17 African American superintendents with the recruitment, selection, and promotion process. The career and employment experiences of African American superintendents is the means by which this study extrapolates data in order to answer the research question. This study utilized a semi-structured interview process in order to gather data to answer the research question. Thematic analysis was used to identify the perceptions of African American superintendents with regards to the recruitment, selection, and promotion process. The research question included: 1) What are the career and employment perspectives and experiences of African American public school superintendents in the United States? This research study utilizes the theoretical framework of critical race theory and the conceptual framework of Asante's 5 principles of the Afrocentric method for generating knowledge as a lens for analyzing the data and making sense of what the data says about the career and employment experiences of African American superintendents as well as the recruitment, selection, and promotion process to the superintendency. The findings revealed significant themes related to race, racism, discrimination, political acumen, contract negotiations, social justice leadership, mentoring, networking, search firms, and spirituality. The findings support the need for legislative action that educates school boards and search firms about how to increase the pool of viable African American superintendent candidates in the recruitment, selection, and promotion process along with the building of mentoring and networking organizations that supports both aspiring and current African American superintendents.
Publication Date
5-5-2021
Disciplines
Education
Recommended Citation
Perry, Dennis, "African American Superintendent Perceptions and Experiences with the Recruitment, Selection and Promotion Process" (2021). May 5, 2021 - 2021 Doctoral Research. 6.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/may52021doctoralresearchsymposium/6
