Career Intentions and Experiences of Pre- and In-Service Female Band Teachers

The purpose of this study was to examine pre- and in-service female band teachers' perspectives regarding their experiences in realizing their professional goals. Domains of inquiry included: gaining entry into the profession, confidence and self-efficacy, and mentorship. A fourth domain, issues surrounding gender, emerged during the study and was analyzed accordingly.The study utilized one-on-one interviews with pre- and in-service female band teachers. Findings indicated that numerous outside factors affected the career paths of the participants, resulting in several of the women pursuing middle, elementary and multi-grade level jobs. These factors included: the jobs available at the time of the initial job search, family responsibilities, the perceived time commitment thought to accompany high school band teaching positions, and the desire to witness musical and social growth in students. All of the in-service participants expressed a belief that a Good Ol' Boys' Club existed, but many felt as though its influence was declining. Some of the participants shared that they believed women should be afforded the same opportunities as men; but regardless, several of the participants experienced challenges in being a woman in the band teaching profession. These challenges included: the struggle to network with those in power, fitting in at professional development events, and gaining respect from students and colleagues. While some of the women found their gender could be an asset, they also found themselves restricted by the social constructs and stereotypes of their gender.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Music

Grantor dc:publisher

The Ohio State University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Fischer, Sarah Hope

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kinney, Daryl

• Music Education
• Music
• Gender Studies
• Womens Studies
• band
• gender
• education
• social sciences
• communication and the arts
• social roles
• women in band
• equality

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1365793694

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:osu1365793694