African American women in educational administration: The importance of mentors and sponsors

Thirty-eight questionnaires and eight in-depth interviews were obtained from a convenience sample of aspiring African American women school administrators in western New York State. Expectancy theory was used to analyze their responses. Two key findings emerged: (a) although the subjects perceived race as a major obstacle to promotion, they did not view gender as a serious barrier; and (b) though these women had little trouble forming supportive relationships, mentors and sponsors-people who provide moral support and genuine opportunities for advancement-were hard to find. The article concludes by recommending that university-based educational administration preparation programs play a more active role in the sponsorship of their African American women students and graduates and providing suggestions for accomplishing this.