Leading Without Apology: Empowering Women in Educational Leadership, From Aspiration to Advancement

Author(s)
Jennifer Perez Bessolo, Carrie Mugridge
Edition
1
Copyright
2026
Pages
258
Book Type
Academic

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Paperback Book

$22.99

ISBN: 9798319743138
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$12.00

ISBN: 9798319743145
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CHOOSE YOUR FORMAT
Help Me Choose

Paperback Book

$22.99

ISBN: 9798319743138
Details: 
Print Product

eBook

$12.00

ISBN: 9798319743145
Details: 
Electronic Delivery EBOOK - 365 days

Women pursuing careers in educational leadership face challenges that their male counterparts often do not. Despite making up nearly 75 percent of the PK–12 teaching workforce, women remain significantly underrepresented in top administrative and district-level leadership roles. Persistent self-doubt, unspoken expectations, and deeply embedded systemic barriers continue to limit advancement, even in an era that values equity and inclusion.

Leading Without Apology examines the hidden dynamics shaping women’s educational leadership and exposes the unwritten rules that influence who advances, who is heard, and who is trusted with power in PK–12 systems. Drawing on the lived experience of accomplished female principals, superintendents, and district leaders, the book explores the internal beliefs, organizational politics, and interpersonal dynamics that uniquely impact women leaders.

More than an analysis of barriers, this book is a practical guide for action. Readers will find concrete strategies for building professional credibility, navigating hiring and promotion processes, managing bias and emotional labor, protecting well-being, and leading change with confidence and integrity. Each chapter offers insights and tools that can be immediately applied across leadership roles and career stages.

Designed for aspiring and current principals, superintendents, district administrators, leadership preparation programs, and professional learning communities, Leading Without Apology empowers women to claim their authority, redefine leadership on their own terms, and move decisively from aspirations to advancement in women’s educational leadership.

Jennifer Perez Bessolo

Dr. Jennifer Perez Bessolo is the Director of the University of Kansas PK–12 Educational Leadership programs at both the master’s and doctoral levels. She also serves as a Professor of the Practice and Co-Director of Accreditation for the KU School of Education and Human Sciences.

Dr. Bessolo earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas. Her professional background spans K–12 district and building leadership, teaching and learning, and educational consulting. She is a certified HIGH5 Strengths and Kolbe Index consultant and is passionate about helping individuals and teams maximize their strengths and effectiveness.

With over two decades in education, including five years in higher education, Dr. Bessolo previously served 17 years in Kansas and North Carolina public schools. Her roles included Director of Curriculum, Federal Programs, and Virtual Learning; Middle and Secondary Director; principal; assistant principal; teacher; and coach. A former mentor for the Kansas Educational Leadership Institute (KELI), she has coached first-year principals and supported leadership development across districts.

Dr. Bessolo has served on multiple Kansas State Department of Education committees and has presented at state and national conferences on Open Educational Resources and Personalized, Problem-Solving Learning. She is also a featured guest on podcasts and Women in Leadership panels, where she advocates for empowering women to find their voice, purpose, and success in educational leadership roles.

Carrie Mugridge

Dr. Carrie Mugridge believes that leadership is an act of service and that the most powerful tool a woman possesses is her authentic self. Throughout a distinguished two-decade career—spanning roles from classroom teacher to district executive—Carrie has mastered the art of building high-expectation coaching systems that foster growth and excellence.

Beyond her district leadership and national accolades, Carrie is a mentor at heart. Her mission remains focused on helping aspiring female leaders step boldly into their power. A Kansas Teacher of the Year finalist and U.S. Dept. of Education Teaching Ambassador finalist, Carrie now serves as a consultant and coach, guiding women toward strategic clarity and lasting impact.

Women pursuing careers in educational leadership face challenges that their male counterparts often do not. Despite making up nearly 75 percent of the PK–12 teaching workforce, women remain significantly underrepresented in top administrative and district-level leadership roles. Persistent self-doubt, unspoken expectations, and deeply embedded systemic barriers continue to limit advancement, even in an era that values equity and inclusion.

Leading Without Apology examines the hidden dynamics shaping women’s educational leadership and exposes the unwritten rules that influence who advances, who is heard, and who is trusted with power in PK–12 systems. Drawing on the lived experience of accomplished female principals, superintendents, and district leaders, the book explores the internal beliefs, organizational politics, and interpersonal dynamics that uniquely impact women leaders.

More than an analysis of barriers, this book is a practical guide for action. Readers will find concrete strategies for building professional credibility, navigating hiring and promotion processes, managing bias and emotional labor, protecting well-being, and leading change with confidence and integrity. Each chapter offers insights and tools that can be immediately applied across leadership roles and career stages.

Designed for aspiring and current principals, superintendents, district administrators, leadership preparation programs, and professional learning communities, Leading Without Apology empowers women to claim their authority, redefine leadership on their own terms, and move decisively from aspirations to advancement in women’s educational leadership.

Jennifer Perez Bessolo

Dr. Jennifer Perez Bessolo is the Director of the University of Kansas PK–12 Educational Leadership programs at both the master’s and doctoral levels. She also serves as a Professor of the Practice and Co-Director of Accreditation for the KU School of Education and Human Sciences.

Dr. Bessolo earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas. Her professional background spans K–12 district and building leadership, teaching and learning, and educational consulting. She is a certified HIGH5 Strengths and Kolbe Index consultant and is passionate about helping individuals and teams maximize their strengths and effectiveness.

With over two decades in education, including five years in higher education, Dr. Bessolo previously served 17 years in Kansas and North Carolina public schools. Her roles included Director of Curriculum, Federal Programs, and Virtual Learning; Middle and Secondary Director; principal; assistant principal; teacher; and coach. A former mentor for the Kansas Educational Leadership Institute (KELI), she has coached first-year principals and supported leadership development across districts.

Dr. Bessolo has served on multiple Kansas State Department of Education committees and has presented at state and national conferences on Open Educational Resources and Personalized, Problem-Solving Learning. She is also a featured guest on podcasts and Women in Leadership panels, where she advocates for empowering women to find their voice, purpose, and success in educational leadership roles.

Carrie Mugridge

Dr. Carrie Mugridge believes that leadership is an act of service and that the most powerful tool a woman possesses is her authentic self. Throughout a distinguished two-decade career—spanning roles from classroom teacher to district executive—Carrie has mastered the art of building high-expectation coaching systems that foster growth and excellence.

Beyond her district leadership and national accolades, Carrie is a mentor at heart. Her mission remains focused on helping aspiring female leaders step boldly into their power. A Kansas Teacher of the Year finalist and U.S. Dept. of Education Teaching Ambassador finalist, Carrie now serves as a consultant and coach, guiding women toward strategic clarity and lasting impact.

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