Practice-Based Coaching And Early Childhood Professional Standards In A Diverse Field, Julie Betthauser

Graduate Teacher Education

Abstract

The field of early childhood education has long relied on professional development strategies to support teachers with varying degrees of education who enter the field from a variety of disciplines. Research indicated educators needed intensive and individualized professional development efforts that were integrated into daily practice (Rodgers, Kennedy, VanUitert, & Myers, 2019). Practice-based coaching has been used as a professional development strategy in early childhood classrooms to develop educators’ knowledge and skills in best practices for young children. Thirty-two empirical studies conducted since 2011 on the process, effectiveness, and assessment of practice-based coaching were reviewed to identify coaching components, …

Black Women's Journey To Executive Leadership, Belinda Higgs Hyppolite

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to gain an understanding of the journey of Black women into executive leadership positions at predominately White institutions of higher education within the United States. One research question guided this study: What are the experiences of Black women at predominately White institutions (PWIs) of higher education serving in executive leadership positions? Participants were a purposeful sample of 10 Black women executives who currently serve in executive leadership at various institutions across the country. The data collection instruments were structured interviews, member checking interviews, and a personal reflective narrative. The typological analysis approach …

Building Environmental Education Capacity In Classrooms And Schools, Linda Sue Thomas

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Abstract

There is growing global acknowledgement that our planet is facing an imminent environmental crisis (Kensler, 2012; Kensler & Uline, 2017). Issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversities, water quality, the impact of long term fossil fuel use and single use plastics are compelling countries around the world to calls for action. In the education sector, there is an increasing recognition that raising awareness of environmental issues needs to begin in the schools where students will learn about the impact of individual choices on our environment. Research has shown that environmental education programs in schools have a positive influence …

Differentiated Induction: An Enhanced Model For The New Teacher Induction Program, Terri Jackson

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

The Ontario Ministry of Education established the New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP) in 2006 to facilitate a smoother transition into the teaching profession for beginning teachers. This program intends to provide another full year of training and support to beginning teachers. The components of NTIP are: (a) a system orientation; (b) peer mentorship; and (c) targeted professional learning opportunities. Through the provision of differentiated professional learning communities and enhanced mentoring opportunities, this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) revises the existing induction structure in the Tungsten Board of Education. Using an adaptive, situational leadership style, the NTIP Facilitator employs the Awareness, Desire, …

Finding Umoja: Reimagining Mentoring Of New Black Teachers, Hyacinth Wood

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

Abstract

In the United States approximately 20% of new teachers leave within the first 3 years (Hayes, 2004 and Henke et al., 2000), and within 5 years up to 50% leave the profession (Ingersoll, 2003). Attrition rates were highest in urban schools and schools serving low-income and minority students leading to an inequitable distribution of quality and experienced teachers (Lankford et al., 2002, OECD, 2005 and Provasnik & Dorfman, 2005a).

The purpose of this study was to reimagine mentoring as a part of the induction program, the Umoja Model, to support new Black teachers as they join urban educational environments. …

Two Way Street: An Applied Research Study On The Effects Of Increased Parent And Community Involvement Activities On Student Academic Growth In Mathematics At South Lee Middle School, Jason Clifton Arledge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was two-fold. The first overarching goal was to increase student academic growth on the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program mathematics assessment to at least 75%. This was attempted through implementation of grade-level Remind services and the Red Raider Family program. The second overarching goal was to create a cycle of continuous improvement through feedback from key stakeholders in the form of surveys, interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and descriptive statistics. South Lee Middle School evaluated each of these initiatives and utilized resources to adjust these programs for use in the 2018-2019 school year.

The Professionalization And Socialization Of Adjunct Instructors In A Southern California Community College, Nancy Roemi Ramirez

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated the professionalization and socialization of adjunct faculty into the culture of a community college campus in Southern California. Because adjunct faculty are the majority faculty at most colleges, it is vital to orient and support them for maximum effectiveness. A review of literature revealed that well-socialized employees are more committed to organizational well-being; however, few studies examine community college English Department part-time faculty in this light. This qualitative case study does so, using the model of organizational socialization (Tierney & Bensimon, 1996) as its framework, and focusing on this research question: How are part-time English Department faculty …

Increasing Teacher Retention: An Applied Research Study On The Effects Of Mentoring And Culture In The Abc County School District, Jimmy Holland Weeks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This applied research study sought to improve the retention rate of beginning teachers through a teacher mentoring program. The need for the teacher retention rate to improve became evident as student achievement fell, new teacher training costs increased, and fewer new teachers entered the teaching profession. Using four elements in this study, mentoring, job-embedded coaching, individual growth plan, and culture development, the program sought to better support new teachers during the first few years of their careers. Surveys, evaluations, collaboration logs, and professional growth plans were used in the study. The findings revealed improvement in the teacher retention rate in …