February 11, 2025

Women Leading Ed (WLE), the largest national network of women education leaders, today released the results of its second annual Insight Survey, revealing persistent gender bias that continues to impact women’s access to top leadership roles in education. The survey, which gathered responses from women in state and district leadership serving more than 10 million students across 37 states and 100 systems. 

While women comprise nearly 8 in 10 teachers, just 3 in 10 school district leaders are women. Despite facing that real bias daily, this year’s survey also shows women leaders stand undaunted in the face of it. The gender gap in education leadership means that women remain a powerfully untapped resource of leadership talent, uniquely equipped to navigate the complex and sprawling challenges facing school districts and states today. From declining student achievement to increasing operational demands, these leaders have the expertise, vision, and commitment to drive meaningful, sustainable change. 

Key findings of the 2025 WLE Insight Survey include:

• Women say they have had to make career sacrifices their male colleagues would not need to make, but are still overlooked for advancement: 77% of women leaders—and 82% of superintendents—report making career sacrifices their male colleagues have not had to make, yet more than half have been passed over for advancement in favor of men.

• Nearly 9 in 10 women feel pressure to dress, speak, or behave a certain way because of being a woman in a senior leadership role: 86% of respondents feel pressured to dress, speak, or behave in specific ways because of their gender, an increase from 82% in 2024.

• Women’s professional judgment and authority face routine challenges: 63% of women leaders—rising to 76% among superintendents—say their professional judgment is questioned more frequently than that of their male counterparts.

• The survey also reveals a pattern of additional, uncompensated workload expectations: 

• Nearly two-thirds of women leaders (65%) report being asked to take on extra responsibilities not expected of male colleagues. 

• About half of superintendents report gender influencing salary negotiations while more than half of respondents have never successfully negotiated their own salaries.

The findings and experiences documented in the Women Leading Ed 2025 Insight Survey illustrate the pressing need for systemic change. Women are ready and capable of leading school systems through today’s toughest challenges—academic recovery, budget constraints, and evolving workforce needs. Yet, systemic barriers continue to hold them back. Women Leading Ed is driving change by equipping women with the essential skills and support needed to lead at the highest levels.