LM March 2018

Opposite: Superintendent Dr. Julie Schmidt of Kildeer Countryside CCSD #96 practices counting with kindergarten student at Willow Grove Early Learning Center in Buffalo Grove, IL. She adopts a classroom in her district and visits them every other week during the school year.

Schmidt observes a 6th grade pre-algebra student’s “mathematical thinking” during a visit to Woodlawn Middle School in Long Grove, IL.

Matters , we honor and highlight our female superintendents who serve on the IASA Board of Directors including: IASA President-Elect, Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams (Hazel Crest SD #152-5), and IASA Board Members: Dr. Judy Hackett (Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization), IASA Treasurer Paula Hawley (Pikeland CUSD #10), Dr. Julie Schmidt (Kildeer Countryside CCSD #96), Kim Schilson (Illini West HS #307), Victoria “Vickie” Tabbert (Queen Bee #16) and Barb Thompson (Fisher #1). Underrepresentationof Women in the Superintendency Why do we have so few women superintendents in a female- dominated profession? Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams shares her thoughts on this important topic and says, “Gender-role stereotyping: regrettably, we are categorized from birth as to what we can or should do as females. We are encouraged to become teachers and discouraged to follow a leadership path, and unfortunately we are sometimes discouraged by other females. Another reason is lack of mobility. As women, Recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by our female superintendents is the first step in taking action to bring programming and support for their work leading school districts. We’re committed to it and look forward to opportunities and implementation soon. —Dr. Brent Clark, executive director, IASA

TEACHERS

77% of U.S. teachers are women

27% of U.S. superintendents are women SUPERINTENDENTS

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Dr. Sheila Harrison Williams, Superintendent of Hazel Crest SD #152-5, at school’s Veterans’ Day assembly with guest, Secretary of State Jesse White.