Women still face barriers to leadership (opinion)

To the editor:

As a woman and mother currently pursuing a leadership role in education, I can attest that this climb is no easy feat (“Female Superintendent Experiences Bias on Climb to Leadership”), March 22, 2024). For Latina women, the climb is even steeper. A mother shouldn’t have to choose between her family and her career, and young girls of color need role models that look like them.

I agree that intentional changes in culture, policy, and structure are needed to create greater gender and racial equity among supervisory roles.Data shows that gender and racial bias may exist among those making top hiring decisions, such as district superintendents, who are more likely to be white men..

There is a glimmer of hope. An increasing number of women are aiming to obtain leadership qualifications. The challenge lies in the barriers faced in obtaining these positions. Education Week’s “What Does a Principal Do?” ExplainerThere are slightly more female principals than male principals. Despite this increase, gender equality gaps remain in top leadership positions in education and other fields. As a society we still have much work to do.

Elaine Centeno
Mathematics teacher/administrative intern
Yonkers, New York