Diminished Aspirations or Something More? A Phenomenological Study to Examine How Educational Leadership Experiences Influence Career Aspirations

This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences female educational leaders’ face, which may influence their career aspirations. Phenomenology allowed the researcher to explore the commonalities across female educational leaders’ experiences. Female educational leaders from two school districts were invited to participate in the study, provided they had a minimum of one year of experience as school administrators. Participants were purposefully selected. The researcher utilized an electronic invitation inviting female educational leaders to participate in the study. The researcher then scheduled individual, semi-structured interviews with the participants to obtain data pertaining to the participants’ experiences. The data was then analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) Seven Step Method, which includes bracketing and member checking. The researcher then developed a clear, concise description that explains the participants' experience. Female educational leaders experience a multitude of experiences that play a part in their career aspirations. Female leaders face barriers that include the need to prove themselves, the need to develop a work-life balance, and gender barriers. However, they also noted supportive factors to assist as they transition into a leadership role, which include a mentor, encouragement, and inspiration, as well as district-level support. As new leaders transition into a leadership role, they develop their self-perception of their leadership. Leaders realize the need for empathy, building relationships, and continual professional growth. Many of the female educational leaders in this study were encouraged and inspired to pursue a leadership role. This left many leaders feeling accomplished and satisfied with their current role because they had already surpassed their initial career goals. Other leaders experienced feeling let down and discouraged when gender bias and stereotypes were encountered, and they were overlooked for a leadership position. While discouraged, these females persevered until they eventually obtained a leadership role.