From the Classroom to the Boardroom: A Phenomenological Study of Seven Superintendents
Abstract
School superintendents encounter a wide variety of unique and diverse challenges as
they attempt to lead individuals and organizations toward success. As such, superintendents
must be equipped with the skills to effectively lead districts through inherent challenges and
complexities of the role. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to
understand the essence of the meaning of preparation for seven Midwestern district
superintendents. The central question of the inquiry was: What essences of meaning do
superintendents have of their preparation experiences before assuming the role of
superintendent? The theoretical lens of social constructionism and transcendental
phenomenology contributed to the design of the data. Various aspects of experiential
curriculum theory—political, autobiographical, and phenomenological—deepened an
understanding of their experiences. Themes or meaning units were identified in three data
sources: semi-structured, in-depth interviews, observations at board of education meetings,
and analysis of key district and participant documents.
Analysis of documents revealed a common theme of incremental improvements, as
superintendents performed their roles. Additionally, participants’ observations generated
themes of meetings as ceremonies and the superintendent as a storyteller. Phenomenological
analysis of the in-depth interviews captured five meaning units or themes as significant to
their preparation experiences: challenges, continued education, networking/mentoring,
professional moves, and relationships. Together, these findings represented the uniqueness
as well as the complexities of the meaning of preparation for the group of superintendents.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Theoretical framework -- Literature review -- Methodology -- Results -- Conclusions and recommendations -- Appendix A. Invitational email -- Appendix B. Interview question handout -- Appendix C. Interview guides -- Appendix D. Observation protocol
Degree
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)