Tempered Radicals and Servant Leaders: Black Females Persevering in the Superintendency

Abstract

Despite the small numbers of Black female superintendents and the overwhelming obstacles of the position, Black women who serve as public school superintendents continue to meet the challenges of educational leadership and are flourishing in their jobs. As noted in previous research on Black women in the superintendency and Black female leaders in general, there remains a paucity of research. What is it about these women that keeps them in these positions? This article will focus on Black female superintendents’ persistence in their positions in relation to the concepts of tempered radicalism and servant leadership.