Digital Commons Network^™

Not Too Early, Not Too Late: A Framework For Career Guidance In Competency -Based Education (Cbe), Mercy Igoki

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

The aim of this study is to develop a framework for providing career guidance to learners in Kenyan schools within a competency-based education framework. The framework will give guidance from early childhood to senior schools. It will help learners select careers and develop relevant competencies. Learners are often introduced late to career guidance, mostly when they must make key academic and career decisions, such as subject selection. This timing may limit their ability to make informed decisions about their future career pathways. The study uses a conceptual research design, grounded in a review and synthesis of existing literature on career …

What Keeps Teachers: A Systematic Review Of Induction And Early-Career Teacher Retention In Rural Schools, Bobbie Jean Mcdonough

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Teacher retention remains a persistent challenge in United States education, particularly in rural K–12 public schools. This systematic review synthesized empirical research on induction and early-career teacher retention in rural United States settings published between 2000 and 2025. Guided by a postpositivist framework and aligned with PRISMA 2020 standards, 56 studies met inclusion criteria following structured database searches and multi-stage screening. Findings across the included studies indicate that retention was most consistently associated with induction, mentoring, professional learning, responsive leadership, collegial relationships, and teachers’ integration into their school and community, with no single support appearing sufficient in isolation. Across research …

Resonant Cracks In The Music Curriculum: Integrating Social And Emotional Learning In The Secondary Music Classroom, Margaret E. Lerch

Education Doctorate Dissertations

Music education has long been recognized as a subject that encourages student learning beyond the walls of the music classroom. While elementary music programs often foster language development and social awareness, secondary music instruction tends to emphasize performance skills and technical development. The explicit secondary orchestra curriculum for this middle school includes only instrument skill-development standards and learning-target descriptions. In this fourth-marking-period sixth-grade orchestra class, coursework—including students’ journal reflections, classroom dialogue, and comparison soundscape projects—operated intentionally “within the cracks” of the formal curriculum to create opportunities for the students to express and engage with emotions, identity, belonging, empathy, perspective-taking, and …

We Are Each One Second Away From Being Someone Else's Patient, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

Edu 40 Field Work Seminar, Tonya L. Johnson

Open Educational Resources

The syllabus for EDU 30 contains a course description, course objectives, course readings divided by week and links to OER textbooks and ZTC readings.

The First 3 Years: Novice Teacher Perspectives On Staying In Education, Tammy M. Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher attrition presents a persistent challenge for educational systems, with novice teachers leaving the profession at disproportionately high rates during their first 5 years. Rural schools face compounded difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified educators due to geographic isolation, limited resources, and additional workload demands. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate novice secondary teachers’ perceptions of factors influencing their intent to remain in education. In this study, self-determination theory, which examines autonomy, competence, and relatedness as psychological needs supporting intrinsic motivation, and four capital theory, which addresses human, social, structural, and positive psychological capital as interconnected components …

Want To Be A Higher Education President? A Comparative Case Study Of The Traits, Attributes, And Skills Of Four Current Higher Education Presidents, Brian C. Nees

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

This qualitative study is a comparative case study of higher education presidents. It examines how current higher education presidents described the essential traits, attributes, and skills of the position and whether these presidents have always possessed them or acquired them over time and through experience. This topic is essential, as it appears that presidents are leaving their positions sooner, and this research provides incoming presidents with preparation advice and current presidents with advice to help them stay in their positions longer. The data were obtained through resumes, a trait questionnaire, and interviews with current higher education presidents. These three data …

The Vital Role Of Communication In Elementary Education: Strategies For Bridging Language, Cultural, And Diversity Gaps To Strengthen Family-School Partnerships, Daniel H. Rack

Dissertations

This study examines how communication systems in elementary schools influence equitable family engagement within a linguistically and culturally diverse, Title I context. The purpose of this research is to evaluate how communication practices support or limit access, participation, and partnership between schools and families. The overarching research question guiding this study is: How do current communication systems support or constrain equitable family engagement? A convergent mixed-methods design was utilized to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Data sources included educator surveys, family surveys, and focus group interviews, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of communication practices from multiple stakeholder …

Reimagining Civic Readiness: Middle School Teachers’ Definition And Perceptions Of The Importance Of Civic Readiness, Razak K. Dwomoh

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

This article examines how middle school social studies teachers define “civic readiness,” how teacher motivation shapes civics instruction, and why middle-level civics is integral to engaged citizenship. The paper presents teachers as “curricular instructional gatekeepers” and argues that civic readiness (preparedness/willingness) differs significantly from civic competence (mastery) in terms of meaning, scope, and outcomes, proposing a four-staged pathway from readiness to engagement, then development, and finally to competence. It further provides an overview of three interrelated concepts (academic readiness, college readiness, and career readiness) to juxtapose civic readiness within the larger literary discourse. The …

Hitler Must Be Killed: A Wwii Case Study, Jeffrey Byford, Presley Shilling, Alisha Milam

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Social studies education during the 1960s experienced an educational renaissance known as the new social studies movement. Over 50 projects were funded by the National Science Foundation or private corporations to interject a student-centered curriculum into K-12 classrooms during this period. Nearly 60 years later, can student-centered decision-making activities be used in an era of high-stakes testing and planned curriculum? This article attempts to rekindle students' interest in decision-making and discussion by exploring elements in Moral Reasoning: The Value of Life from the Harvard Social Studies Project (HSSP). The activity called "Hitler Must Be Killed" helped students bring the content …

Being Compassionate Helps Improve College Students’ Perceived Well-Being. The Mediating Role Of Cognitive Flexibility And Perceived Anxiety, Saurabh Singh, Sarath Nonis

AMTP Proceedings 2026

Perceived well-being of college students is crucial to the success of students and institutions of higher education alike. Through this study we assert that promoting compassion among college students can improve their perceived well-being. Furthermore, the effect is mediated by cognitive flexibility and anxiety felt by students. The study has theoretical and managerial implications. The results can guide educators and university personnel to better craft curriculum and university communication.

The Role Of Autonomy And Motivation On Teacher Retention: A Mixed Methods Study, Jordan Overton

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Teacher retention remains a persistent concern in the United States, with nearly 13% of classrooms unfilled by licensed teachers. Grounded in self-determination theory and basic psychological needs theory, this mixed methods sequential explanatory study examined the relationship between teacher autonomy, motivation, and intentions to leave, while also exploring the contextual factors that shaped teachers’ perceptions of autonomy within their work environments.

In the quantitative phase, survey data were collected from 123 elementary and middle school teachers across three school divisions in Southeastern Virginia. Measures included teacher autonomy, work motivation, and intentions to leave one’s school or division and the teaching …

Deferred Action Theory As A Framework For Adaptive Educational Procurement: Navigating Uncertainty And Digital Transformation In Education Systems, Herdiana Herdiana, B. Yuliarto Nugroho, Andreo Wahyudi Atmoko

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Public procurement constitutes a significant portion of national expenditure and directly affects economic growth, service delivery, and governance quality. In Indonesia, education sector procurement absorbs more than half of the allocated budget but remains vulnerable to inefficiencies, rigid procedures, and corruption risks. This study aims to conceptualize an adaptive framework for Public Procurement Business Process Management (PP-BPM) that addresses environmental uncertainty, digital transformation, and governance challenges. This conceptual study integrates Deferred Action Theory (DAT), Emergent Business Processes (EBP), and Business Process Management (BPM) to develop a multi-level framework for procurement. The analysis covers strategic, managerial, and operational dimensions, emphasizing deferment …

Teachers’ Use Of Student Voice In Behaviour Management Practices: An Exploratory Study, Sue Thompson, Ellen Larsen

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The importance of effective classroom management practices in schools has been well-documented in the literature. However, at a time when research points to the importance of engaging student voice across teaching and learning practice, student voice has not been a focus of behaviour management practice, particularly in mainstream classrooms. This paper reports on a study exploring teachers’ understandings and experiences of incorporating student voice into behaviour management practice at one Australian primary school. Survey data collected from 14 teachers were analysed using simple descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. While teachers were generally supportive of embedding student voice in behaviour management …

From Arrival To Opportunity: A Policy Analysis For Supporting Newly Arrived English Learners In California, Valeria Gabrielli, Stephanie Mendoza Hernandez

School of Public Policy Capstones

Newly arrived immigrant students, commonly referred to as “newcomers,” represent a notable portion of the English Learner (EL) population in California’s K–12 public schools. As of Fall 2023, the California Department of Education reported that newcomers comprised 3.27% of total student enrollment. Although enrollment is projected to decline in the near term, the potential for future increases highlights the need for sustainable, evidence-based support systems. This study examines how California K–12 public schools with large EL populations provide academic and trauma-informed support services to newcomer students, with a particular focus on early intervention in grades K–5. Using the Bardach policy …

Call For Manuscripts, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

The Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities is a peer-reviewed, open access, multi-disciplinary online journal with an international focus. We publish articles that reflect the best of research and practice related to inclusive science education, including works submitted by science and special education researchers, teacher educators, and teachers. Interesting topics have included innovative curricular ideas, instructional adaptations, research-based modifications, best practices, and management strategies in science education. JSESD adopts the philosophical perspective that all students can achieve in science, and that science benefits from the full participation of all students.

Teaching Experience And Burnout During Remote Learning, Tony Durr, Nicole Graves, Patrick D. Hales

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

During the spring of 2020 many K-12 teacher were forced to transition their classes to remote learning environments. This study examines the extent to which teaching experience related to symptoms of burnout reported by teachers when switching instruction to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicated that years of teaching experience was a significant predictor of the emotional exhaustion component of burnout, with mid-career (β = 0.966, p ≤ .001) and veteran teachers (β = 1.085, p ≤ .01) reporting significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion compared to novice teachers. These results indicate that novice teachers experienced less burnout …

What Do Preservice Teachers Know About The Scoring And Interpretation Of A Reading Fluency Assessment?, Miranda L. Sigmon, Jeremy Lopuch

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Literacy instruction is a crucial topic in preparing future educators. Literacy skills are a continued concern as reported by the nation's proficiency scores (NAEP, 2024). Teacher preparation regarding effective literacy instruction should involve literacy assessment, including the purpose, administering, scoring, and interpretation of assessment data. This study addressed the following question: what is preservice teachers' knowledge, accuracy in scoring, and analysis of results for a reading fluency assessment? Participants learned about oral reading fluency (ORF) assessment, practiced administering and scoring, and noted strengths and weaknesses of assessment data from a recorded second-grade assessment. Results show understanding of the assessment tool …

Pre-Service Teacher Perceptions, Katie Swart

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Several studies over the past five decades have shown that when families are involved in their child's education, it improves academic achievement (Barger et al., 2019). Beyond academic achievement, family and community engagement is also associated with better behavior, increased attendance and graduation rates, social skills, and mental health (Hiatt-Michael, 2001). Educator preparation programs (EPPs) can play a vital role in shaping pre-service teachers' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and values (Darling-Hammond & Baratz-Snowden, 2007). Moreover, researchers claim that teachers' beliefs are among the most important predictors of their classroom behaviors and practices (Buchanan et al, 1998; Vartuli, 1999). As such, pre-service …

Stoicism For Teacher Well-Being, Jessica L. Richardi

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

An approach to improving educator retention is to promote teacher well-being. The ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism is an apt resource for teachers to mine for tools to maintain emotional equanimity. Stoic principles underlie modern cognitive behavioral therapy, and recent studies examining the relationship between stoic attitudes and wellness have yielded promising results. Importantly, Stoicism is accessible, practical, and adaptable to teachers' needs. While Stoicism cannot eradicate the very real challenges teachers face day-to-day, adopting stoic practices can help individual educators protect their well-being while on the job.

Lessons Learned From Field Experiences Of Special Education Preservice Teachers During A Pandemic, Rhonda D. Miller, Meaghan S. Avery, Nicole Uphold, Jamia Thomas-Richmond

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Field experiences provide opportunities for preservice teachers to apply instructional procedures and theories in authentic classroom settings (Leko & Brownell, 2011). The ever-changing landscape of public school classrooms makes teacher preparation a challenge. In this study, ten participants, special education preservice teachers (PSTs) in the semester before student teaching, recorded their experiences from their field experiences during a pandemic. We explored the types of activities that PSTs engaged in, the challenges that they faced, and lessons that were learned as a result of the experience. Results showed a reduced number of hours in the field, challenges with instructional practices and …

Using Constructivist Practices To Build Preservice Teachers' Understanding Of Personalized, Competency-Based Learning, Lindsay Yearta, Lisa Harris, Julia Wilkins, Christine Lotter

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

As teacher educators, we have always been certain of the active, iterative nature of learning, and we strive to facilitate experiences that allow our preservice teachers to learn in robust, authentic ways. When, three teacher educators from three universities situated in a southeastern state and one education associate from a state department of education, started working together in the fall of 2022 with the desire to help our preservice teachers better understand personalized, competency-based learning (PCBL), we knew how important it would be to center our learners and, in doing so, facilitate active, reflective learning experiences for them...

Using Concept Maps And Reflective Narratives As Authentic Assessment Of Readiness For Inclusive Classrooms, Jeremy Lopuch, Christopher O'Brien, Debra Lockwood, Sequita Lipscomb

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

The purpose of this study was to continue a line of inquiry into the usefulness of quantitative and qualitative analyses and interpretations of concept maps for assessing preservice teacher candidates' knowledge of inclusive teaching. Specifically, there is little published data on the qualitative analysis of concept maps measuring instructional knowledge and skills associated with teaching in inclusive classrooms. Using a convenience sample of 13 teacher candidates enrolled in a teacher education program, participants were asked to create a concept map of their knowledge about students with disabilities and a reflective narrative statement on the first and last day of the …

Full Issue: Volume 19, Number 1, Winter 2025, Judith Collazo, Suzanne Horn

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This file contains the full issue of TEJSC, including front matter, table of contents, editorial notes, and articles.

Ideas And Activities For Strengthening Multilingual Learners' Academic Vocabulary, Jennifer Altieri

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Research suggests that while the number of multilingual students in schools is growing, there continues to be an achievement gap. Often, the difficulty is related to reading comprehension and, more specifically, vocabulary. Given the fact that academic language takes longer to develop than social language skills, it is important that multilingual learners receive additional support related to developing academic language. Content-specific vocabulary development plays a key role in academic language. This article discusses the types of vocabulary terms that are important to teach, suggestions for ways to create a classroom environment conducive to developing the terms, and specific activities which …

From Childhood Reads To Classroom Needs: Reading, Identity, And Emotional Navigation Of A Black Woman Scholar In Education, Samantha Asbury

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This qualitative study examines how a Black woman college student navigates academic stress, racialized gender expectations, and emotional well-being in a predominantly White Education program. Using Critical Race Theory, the study explores how identity-affirming reading practices and intentional social media boundaries serve as both resistance and survival strategies. Findings reveal how systemic marginalization demands emotional labor from Black women while also highlighting their resilience, agency, and creative coping strategies. The study calls for more culturally responsive practices that nurture rather than diminish marginalized students' voices and wellbeing.

Teacher Retention: Supporting New Teachers, Kathy Sobolewski, Amanda Butler, Jennifer Zakrzewski

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Our nation is undergoing a severe shortage of teachers. According to Think Impact, K-12 classroom teachers are the most burned out in comparison to every other profession, with about 40% of teachers leaving the education field in the first five years (Craft, 2024). Starrett et al. (2023) identified school factors such as dissatisfaction with the school administration, work-life balance, and school discipline problems as reasons for teachers to choose a second career. The researchers also found that class size and limited autonomy are strongly associated with emotional exhaustion, thus contributing to teachers exiting the field...

Technology In The Classroom: Opportunity Or Obstacle?, Amariya Benson, Kinzly Cohen, Gretchen Whitman

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

The issue of technology in the classroom holds much significance because technology is continuing to advance at a rapid pace. As it is being woven more and more into the fabric of classroom learning, its impact is becoming increasingly profound. This growing integration needs to be studied because it brings up significant questions regarding the most effective ways to support and enhance the learning process with each new digital advancement...

The Teachers Are Gritty, Austin M. Hitt, Suzanne Horn

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

In this study, researchers explored whether the GRIT survey (Duckworth, 2016), predicted whether teacher education students would be successful in their program of study and student teaching. The GRIT survey was used to judge if West Point students would succeed in graduating from their program. Through quantitative analysis, the researchers found in this study that teacher education students who were in their final year of education were gritty. Students with high grit accomplished their goal of graduating and receiving a license to teach. The students with high grit were also successful on the instrument (state rubric) that measured their teaching …

Full Issue: Volume 18, Number 2, Spring 2025, Judith Collazo, Suzanne Horn

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

This file contains the full issue of TEJSC, including front matter, table of contents, editorial notes, and articles.