In a previous article I discussed the rise of female principals in elementary schools. At one point in time school principals were mainly male. Today, females make up at least half of all elementary school principals.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to having a female school principal. I have worked for both a male principal and a female principal. Although both were good experiences, there were things that I liked and disliked about each.
Females tend to be more popular as principals in elementary schools rather than high schools because females relate better to younger children. There are also fewer female principals in private schools.
One advantage of having a woman for an elementary school principal is the gain of a motherly effect. Women can often relate better to the needs of small children. Women can usually identify with the needs of parents, especially mothers, better than males can.
In most cases, women are better organizers and writers than men. Women tend to do better at writing grants and creating schedules for children and classes. Women usually are more creative with newsletters and school events. Women are typically better at typing and working with spreadsheets and computers.
Women principals also tend to identify with the needs of the teachers. Females can relate to a teacher’s family duties easier than males. In my past experience, a woman principal was more cooperative when it came to family doctor appointments and sicknesses. She was also more willing to workout maternity leaves and obstetrician appointments.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to having a female school principal. I can imagine that all professions have pros and cons for women in administrative positions. Although the workforce can at times be harsh for women, I am glad that females now have the opportunity to be involved in leadership.
When you Don’t Agree With the School