Minorities in Educational Administration: Issues and Recommendations

Findings of a study that examined African-American teachers ' career aspirations, particularly their perceptions of administrative leadership positions, are presented in this paper. Data were collected through interviews with and surveys mailed to a total of 26 African-American teachers who had participated in the Minority Teacher Recruitment Project (MTRP). Findings indicate that respondents were very interested in school administration as a career option and would consider participating in a school administration program. Most of the teachers had not been considered for recruitment and selection for preparation programs by their school districts or universities. Services offered through the MTRP are identified, which could be valuable for programs attempting to recruit African-American teachers into school administration. The significant shortage of African-American teachers will limit the number of potential African-American administrators. Failure to recognize and encourage such teachers to consider school administration will have serious implications for school districts across the country as they experience cultural, ethnic, and racial student population shifts. (Contains 16 references.) (LMI) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.