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.