Nov. 3, 1998
Contact: Deborah Verstegen
(804) 924-0745


Event to Honor Women School Superintendents
WOMEN TO LEARN FROM WOMEN ON HOW TO GAIN LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN EDUCATION

	In response to a statewide survey, the University of Virginia's
Curry School of Education will hold its first leadership conference for
women educators.
	The Nov. 13 Leadership Conference for Virginia Women Educators
will address women's leadership issues, needs and concerns.  The
day-long event at the Boar's Head Inn and Sports Club will include large
general sessions with nationally recognized speakers, small break-out
sessions on topics related to leadership and a lunch-time panel
discussion.
	Mary Sue Terry, former attorney general in Virginia, will be the
keynote speaker during a preconference dinner honoring women
superintendents.  At the event in the U.Va. Rotunda on Nov. 12 Terry
will speak on "Leading From Within: A Pathway to Community."
	Lois Harrison-Jones, the first African-American woman
superintendent in both Virginia and Massachusetts and president-elect of
the National Alliance of Black Schools, will be one of the featured
speakers during the conference.  She will speak on "Gender Matters:
Leadership Issues and Opportunities."
	Charol Shakeshaft, author of "Women in Administration" and a
department chair and professor at Hofstra University, will speak on
"Making Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Leadership: A Research
Perspective."
	Virginia State Senator Emily Couric will lead the panel
discussion.  After her talk, small groups will consider such topics as
"A Pathway to the Superintendency," "Winning Strategies for Women in the
Workplace" and "Building Career and Personal Life."
	The conference, viewed as a first annual event by Curry School
officials, is the result of long-term student interest. Deborah
Verstegen, an associate professor of education, conducted a survey of
women in administrative and supervisory positions across Virginia last
summer, and the responses indicated strong interest in a leadership
conference.		
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	"The respondents said they want to network, exchange research
and information and honor the few women who have made it into the top
ranks in the schools," Verstegen said.  
	For registration information on the conference, contact the
dean's office at the Curry School at (804) 924-3332 or Deborah Verstegen
at (804) 924-0745.
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Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (804)
924-7550.