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The Mexican American Female Superintendent Into the Mainstream, More of This Type of Research Needs to Be Done

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The Mexican American Female Superintendent Into the Mainstream, More of This Type of Research Needs to Be Done EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN IN TEXAS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF MEXICAN AMERICAN FEMALE SUPERINTENDENTS by Sonia Arlene Rodriguez, BS, MS A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Council of Texas State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in School Improvement December 2014 Committee Members: Michael Boone, Chair Patricia Guerra, Charles Slater Paul Stewart COPYRIGHT by Sonia Arlene Rodriguez 2014 FAIR USE AND AUTHOR’S PERMISSION STATEMENT Fair Use This work is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (Public Law 94-553, section 107). Consistent with fair use as defined in the Copyright Laws, brief quotations from this material are allowed with proper acknowledgment. Use of this material for financial gain without the author’s express written permission is not allowed. Duplication Permission As the copyright holder of this work I, Sonia Arlene Rodriguez, authorize duplication of this work, in whole or in part, for educational or scholarly purposes only. DEDICATION I dedicate this dissertation to all the Latinas in educational administration who strive to make a difference in children’s lives. To those of you who have been able to obtain the superintendency, your example of perseverance, commitment, and determination will provide opportunities to other aspiring Latina superintendents. Most importantly, I want to dedicate this dissertation to my family. To my husband, Bryan, who understood the sacrifices that were necessary to complete my studies and supported me throughout this long journey. To my daughter, Chantelle, who has been my inspiration. Thank you both for your love, encouragement, and belief in my success. I also wish to dedicate this dissertation to my parents, Jose and Juanita Rodriguez. Although they were not afforded the same educational opportunities that I have been given, they instilled the value of education and a strong work ethic. Mom and dad, thank your for teaching me resiliency and confidence, the importance of family, and reminding me to remain true to my roots. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to thank all my committee members. To the three “good ole boys” on my committee, who believed in me and mentored me throughout this process. Dr. Mike Boone, committee Chair, who supported and encouraged me to pursue a topic that I was passionate about. Dr. Boone, you never gave up on me, for that I am eternally grateful. Dr. Charles Slater, thank you for remaining as a committee member, even though you moved several miles away. Your willingness to see this through is invaluable. Dr. Paul Stewart, thank you for guiding me through this process. To the exemplary Latina member of my committee who graciously shared her expertise and exceptional insight. Dr. Patricia Guerra, thank you for enduring many hours of assistance and making sure that I stayed on track and focused. A very special thanks to Dr. Boone and Dr. Guerra, without the support from the two of you, I may not have been able to complete this long journey. All of you are incredible individuals and scholars, I admire each one of you. v TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………………..v LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................ xi ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................... xii CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................... 1 Rationale for the Study........................................................................................ 6 Research on Female Superintendents ................................................................. 8 Research on Mexican American Female Superintendents.............................. 10 Research Questions ........................................................................................... 13 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................... 13 Definition of Terms ........................................................................................... 14 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................... 15 Limitations to the Study .................................................................................... 18 Methodology ...................................................................................................... 19 II. LITERATURE ......................................................................................................... 22 Review of Literature.......................................................................................... 22 History of Women and the Superintendency ................................................... 23 Women’s Movement............................................................................. 24 Historical Patterns ................................................................................. 26 Female Superintendents .................................................................................... 27 Stereotypes ............................................................................................ 28 Selection Process................................................................................... 29 Female Superintendents of Color .................................................................... 32 African American Female Superintendents ........................................ 34 Latina Superintendents ......................................................................... 36 Latino culture ............................................................................ 37 Selection of Latina superintendents ........................................ 40 Ethnic biases ............................................................................. 42 vi Gender biases ............................................................................ 44 Differences in ethnicity identification ..................................... 47 Mexican American Female Superintendents....................................... 48 Cultural expectations ................................................................ 49 Redefining role expectations ................................................... 53 Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 55 III. RESEARCH METHODS........................................................................................ 57 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 57 Research Design ................................................................................................ 58 Participants ......................................................................................................... 61 Data Collection and Analysis ........................................................................... 64 Data Collection...................................................................................... 65 Data Analysis ........................................................................................ 69 Trustworthiness ................................................................................................. 73 Summary ............................................................................................................ 75 IV. RESEARCH FINDINGS.................................................................................... 77 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 77 Context of the Study .......................................................................................... 80 Location of Mexican American Superintendents ............................... 81 School district demographics ................................................... 83 School district size.................................................................... 85 Glossary.............................................................................................................. 86 Case Narratives .................................................................................................. 89 Estrella Méndez-Adams ....................................................................... 89 Rita Chavez ........................................................................................... 96 Catherine Garcia ................................................................................. 107 Isabel Salinas ....................................................................................... 112 Irma Gonzalez ..................................................................................... 120 Gabriella Evans ................................................................................... 127 Rachel Robertson ................................................................................ 135 Summary .......................................................................................................... 145 V. ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS ........................................................................... 146 Themes in Seeking and Operating the Superintendency .............................. 147 Experiences While
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