Key factors attributing to the development of successful women leaders in the Hawaiʻi Department of Education

Abstract

Now more than ever before, there are women in K-12 educational leadership roles. From 2004-2008, female principals have increased from 51.2% to 58.3%. Within the past 20 years in the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, the number of women in leadership positions has grown to include principals, educational officers, and top level positions such as complex area superintendents and superintendents. This progress is deceiving, however. Although more women are now in leadership positions in Hawaiʻi, the rate of women in leadership positions does not equally represent the percentage of women in the teacher population. The data on women in leadership is sparse and inconsistently collected in general, but especially in Hawaiʻi . Without a formal and consistent data reporting system, the problem is not easily identified or acknowledged. As a result, there are few programs or research in Hawaiʻi addressing the development of leadership in women. This research involves a qualitative case study of five women leaders who work or have previously worked in administrative positions in the Hawaiʻi Department of Education. Using data from questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups, the study presents factors that influenced the development of women leaders in Hawaiʻi and empowered them to enter into leadership positions.