How to elevate female leaders in K12 education

Female leaders are wired differently, and they shouldn’t hesitate to set themselves apart from their male colleagues, Superintendent Keri Johnson of Alabama’s Pelham City Schools says.

Johnson has been working to create a space where female K12 leaders in her state can elevate each other through coaching, guidance and support, she tells host Amy Dujon on the latest episode of DA’s “A Good Lesson” podcast. Johnson’s efforts fit with the mission of DA’s own Leadhership Network for Women, which holds its annual conference in September in New Orleans.

“We lead differently, we feel differently,” says Johnson, who took the helm of Pelham City Schools last year after having led the Tuscaloosa County School System from 2020 to 2025.

“A lot of time, women leaders try to be something that they’re not because they’re trying to fit into a male world,” she adds. “Just be who you are with your own strengths and weaknesses. Just bring what you have to the table, and that’s enough.”

Johnson has created a network for Alabama’s female superintendents and their leadership teams. One of her goals is to break down a culture of competition among serving female superintendents.

“My intentions are for us to support each other and get better together,” Johnson says. Don’t be intimidated by other female leaders on your team. I am perfectly fine for someone else to get the glory, for someone else to have the great idea.

“Really lean into your team,” she concludes. “It’s OK if they’re smarter than you or better at something than you are.”

Listen below:

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