Perceptions of Discrimination, Mentors and Role Models, and Motherhood among Female Elementary and Middle-Level School Band Teachers

This study aimed to investigate whether female elementary and middle-level (middle school and junior high school) band teachers in the United States perceive discrimination in their profession of band teaching. Data were collected from 241 female band teachers who completed an online questionnaire on their demographic background and perceptions of discrimination, sexism, sex stereotypes, job isolation, mentors and role models, and working as mothers. The study explored the influence of various independent variables, including age, levels of teaching, level of education, primary instruments, years of music teaching experience, years of band teaching experience, region of school, location of school, and type of school. Statistical analyses revealed that significant differences in perceptions of discrimination, sexism, sex stereotypes, and job isolation varied according to age, levels of teaching, and years of music and band teaching experience. No significant differences were found in any perceptions by the level of education, primary instrument, region, location, and types of school. In addition, the majority of respondents reported that their mentors and role models were their colleagues rather than through formal mentoring programs. Also, the majority of respondents reported feeling anxious about being a mother while pursuing their careers. Future research is recommended to interview female elementary and middle/high school band teachers aged 21–30 and 31–40 with 1–5 and 6–10 years of teaching experience to gain a better understanding of their daily work and to identify solutions for working mothers and increased professional mentorship.