Ascending the Leadership Hierarchy: Perspectives of School-Based Occupational Therapists on Seeking Administrative Roles in Education

Presenter(s): Margaret (Peggy) Grill, OTD, OTR/L; Madelynn Bush, OTS; Lily Mahon, OTS; Sara Shipman, OTS; Jacqueline Szewczyk, OTS

Content Areas: Specialties - including: Administration & Management, Assistive Technology, Other; Pediatrics - includes: Early Intervention, School-Based Practice, Sensory Integration

Target Audience: Student, Entry-level, Intermediate-level, Advanced-level

Course Description: Despite their advanced degrees and innate leadership potential, school-based occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are presently unable to secure administrative positions within Illinois public educational institutions. Our study aimed to explore the perceived strengths and barriers encountered by OTPs in pursuing administrative roles within schools. Research findings will be disseminated to delve further into this issue and chart a course towards broadened leadership opportunities.