A discourse on womens leadership within science education has, until now, been largely invisible in book form. This, therefore, is the first book to address womens leadership within science education.

The book embraces relational ways of knowing as a foundation for leadership and takes courageous steps by exposing our innermost tensions, dilemmas, and feelings about leadership, making them available to others. The power/promise of feminine approaches to transform traditional leadership cultures is also addressed.

The authors believe that anyone can lead, regardless of position, title, years of experience or age. They also believe that each of us has a responsibility to provide some leadership and direction for the shared endeavours of which we are part.

The purpose of the book is to inspire and guide educators and academics in K-16 science education, as well as individuals in other professions, as their leadership skills develop. The leadership activities provided offer guidance and/or concrete ways to delve into issues of leadership.

Opening.- Opening.- Introduction: Seeds Germinating and Growing.- First Seeds: Aloneness Leads to Building Community.- Enculturation into Science Education: Comparing Pathways and Dilemmas.- Germinating and Growing: Dimensions of Leadership Development.- Choosing a Teaching University: A Change in Identity?.- Making Lemonade from Lemons: A Road to Leadership for Women in Science Education.- Womens Ways of Leading: Navigating Gender Issues in the World of Science.- Transplanting and Growing: Physical-Geographic Relocation and Accompanying Huge Cultural Shifts.- Resolving Issues of Cultural Discontinuity in Co-facilitation of Professional Development Activities.- Developing Leadership through Cultural Understanding in an Urban Science Community of Practice.- Wither Thou Goest: The Trailing Spouse or Commuter Marriage Dilemma.- Flowering and Seed Forming: Leadership Models.- Emerging Leadership Through Experiences in Unfamiliar Academic Waters: Researching Invisible Truths.- Teaching Elementary School Science: The Road Less Traveled.- Laying the Ladder Down: Egalitarian Leadership.- Building Leadership Capacity by Nurturing Community.- I Dont Want to be a Principal! I Want to be a Teacher Leader!.- New Seeds: Hopes and Visions for the Future.- A Beginning Teachers Reflection: Im a Teacher, but Is Teaching Alone Good Enough for Me?.- Teaching in a Rural Community, Where Roots Grow Strong and Risks are a Daily Occurrence.- Epilogue: Seeds in Want of Your Watering to Germinate, Grow, Flower, Fruit, and Seed.- Closing: The Cycle is Complete, But Can It Begin Again?.