Perceptions of Mentoring: Examining the Experiences of Women Superintendents

This descriptive mixed methods study gathered both quantitative and qualitative data on the mentoring experiences of women superintendents in a Southeastern state. The quantitative participants included 39 women superintendents from this state and the qualitative portion of the study was comprised of eight female superintendents purposefully selected from that group. Overall findings revealed women superintendents had positive mentoring experiences that included the importance of having a female mentor and establishing a support system. Additional findings revealed social-emotional based elements for effective mentoring relationships leading to challenge, support, and encouragement of other female educational leaders through both formal and informal mentoring