Work

Case for Closing Superintendent Gender Gap: Pre-K Commitment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This brief considers how closing the superintendent gender gap may contribute to the strengthening of early childhood education (ECE) leadership. Using data from a national survey of superintendents, we find that women are significantly more likely than men to prioritize prekindergarten (pre-K) initiatives, even after controlling for ECE background and training and district characteristics. These gender differences are amplified among leaders with early grades teaching or ECE training. Our findings highlight the value of diverse leadership and suggest that supporting women’s advancement to the superintendency could strengthen district-level ECE efforts.

Source: Educational Researcher

DOI: 10.3102/0013189x251399178

Authors: Rachel S. White, Lauren C. McKenzie, Michael H. Little, Rachel Rowan, Timothy A. Drake

Institutions: The University of Texas at Austin, North Carolina State University

Language: English

Topic: Educational Leadership and Practices

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,500