Examining the experiences of mentoring to develop current and former Black female assistant principals' self-confidence and leadership skills

The role of an assistant principal is both challenging and multifaceted. The role of an assistant principal who is both Black and female is compounded as this demographic of leaders must navigate both the present demands of the position and racial stressors that often cause low self-confidence and feelings of inadequacy (Robinson, 2014). Cited research indicates that mentoring is effective in developing both leadership capacity and self-confidence or self-efficacy for new school leaders (Allen et al., 1995; Barnett et al., 2017; Calabrese and Tucker-Ladd, 1991; Craft et al., 2016; Gurley et al., 2015; Harris, 2020; Hausman et al., 2002; Lester et al, 2011; Liang and Augustine-Shaw, 2016; Marshall and Phelps, 2016; Parfitt and Rose, 2020; Ryan, 2011; Searby et al., 2017; Spillane and Lee, 2014). The purpose of this study was to identify the perspectives of mentoring on Black female assistant principals' self-confidence and leadership capacity development. A secondary purpose was to learn if participants perceived that race had any impact on their ability to serve successfully in the role. Data analysis revealed that relationship, not race was the primary driver needed for a successful mentoring relationship. Data also supports a positive perceived relationship between mentoring and improved leadership capacity and self-confidence for Black female assistant principals. Findings and implications could aid school districts, policymakers, and principal preparation program leaders with establishing and diversifying practices and/or programs to strengthen the leadership capacity and confidence of Black female assistant principals.