The primary goal of the study is to explore the characteristics of the school superintendent in contemporary times based on relationships with school boards, educational reform, changing role, and career mobility.
In order to meet the goal, the study conducts in-depth literature reviews and incorporates historical perspectives regarding the superintendency such as 1) Callahan's description of the superintendent as teacher-scholar, manager, and democratic leader; 2) Kowalski's depiction of the superintendent as communicator, and 3) Brunner, Grogan, and Bjork's portrayal of the role as political strategist focused on the excellence of student learning.
Through the historical review the study could select five main role conceptualizations which provide understanding about how the superintendent's role has been evolved. Based on the conceptualizations the study identified the characteristics of contemporary superintendency in terms of career paths, relationship with school boards and school reform.
Changing roles of the school superintendent suggested in this study could be a guideline for new educational leaders and they can consider it for their career development to the path of superintendency.
School Superintendent, Leadership, Superintendency, Career Path, School reform
