Scaling the mountain to principalship: The barriers and the enablers of a female first time principal’s journey - chapter 13 conclusion

Chapter Thirteen: Conclusion

13.1 Janet’s climb to principalship – the barriers and the enablers as a visual metaphor

Figure 2 Samantha Mortimer’s visual metaphor of Janet’s barriers and enablers (drawn by Jenni Bayliss)

I adapted Abaida Mahmood’s visual metaphor by adding the three barriers that directly influenced Janet to wait to become a principal until a later stage in her career and/or made the journey to the top more complicated.  One, Janet’s gender; two, being a wife; and three, being a mother to a school aged child.

I then inserted the five factors that enabled Janet to ascend the mountain.  One, her strong belief in social justice as Janet wanted to change the status quo by giving all young people a chance. Two, her support systems, who helped sustain her during transitional times and beyond.  Three, her mentors who guided her throughout her career path to the present day.  Four, professional development which crafted Janet into a self-reflective and self-directed learner. Five, a change in her identity over time until she finally believed that she had the agentic traits needed to become a principal. This self-belief collided with her circumstances and gave her the confidence to apply for a principal position.