This book contains guidelines, strategies, techniques, and common sense advice for enhancing the paths of women in pursuing a career in educational leadership. The Introduction to Part 1, "Women Leaders and the New Reality," outlines procedures used for conducting 35 interviews of selected women educational leaders which formed the basis for the book. Chapter 1 explores traditional roadblocks to the advancement of women. Chapter 2 emphasizes the optimal convergence of a variety of factors that allow women today to assume increasingly important positions as decision makers and gatekeepers within every level of education. Chapter 3 discusses trends in the near future as envisioned by the interviewees. Part 2, "Strategies for Professional and Self-Development," includes five chapters based on research and interviews for securing and excelling in educational leadership positions. Chapter 4 contains a self-assessment instrument and a plan for developing one's leadership competencies. Chapter 5 contains advice on the structures leading to advancement. Chapter 6 examines and offers advice on cultivating valuable mentoring relationships. Chapter 7 looks at techniques for extending interpersonal relationships. Chapter 8 describes the individual career paths of the women interviewees. Includes an index and suggested readings. (Contains 105 references.) (JB)