Leadership and Student Outcomes: How Female Principals in Rural East Texas Navigate Educational Challenges
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D)
Department
Educational Leadership
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how female principals leading rural East Texas schools perceived and used leadership to improve student performance outcomes both academically and nonacademically. Qualitative methodology was used, and data was collected during hour long Zoom interviews with each participant. Transcripts of the interviews were used to code and identify emerging themes. Findings of the study revealed female principals in rural schools adopted collaborative and student-centered leadership approaches, leveraging community engagement and teacher empowerment to drive student success. Gendered expectations are a factor they face requiring them to balance assertiveness with relational leadership styles. The findings in this study will contribute to the growing body of research on educational leadership, offering insights into policy and professional developmental support for female leaders in rural school education.
Advisor
Danna Beaty-Boudreaux
Subject Categories
Education | Educational Leadership
Recommended Citation
Duren, Ella D'Waun, "Leadership and Student Outcomes: How Female Principals in Rural East Texas Navigate Educational Challenges" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1263.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/1263
