Investigating The Role Of School Leaders’ Feedback In Texas Noncertified Teachers’ Professional Growth And Self-Efficacy, Sonja R. Long

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem addressed in this study was that the role of school leaders’ feedback in noncertified teachers’ professional growth and self-efficacy is unknown. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the perspectives of noncertified teachers’ understanding of their school leaders’ feedback and how those practices contributed to their professional growth and self-efficacy. A qualitative case study approach was used, with data collected from 12 participants across six Texas school districts through semistructured interviews, questionnaires, and classroom observation documents. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically, with triangulation and member-checking ensuring credibility. Two key findings emerged. First, supporting professional …

Navigating Perspectives: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into Communication Experiences Between North American–Trained International School Leaders And Expatriate Staff, Maggie Marie Cashdollar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive phenomenological study explored the communication approaches and experiences between leaders and expatriate staff in English-medium international schools. The researcher aimed to understand how leadership communication, feedback, and cultural awareness impact professional relationships and organizational effectiveness in diverse educational settings. Semistructured online interviews were conducted with seven current or former international school leaders and teachers to capture their lived experiences. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes: (a) communication approaches, (b) the role of feedback in the workplace, and (c) cultural awareness in communication. Five subthemes emerged: (a) expectations, (b) inclusion, (c) being present, (d) growth mindset, and (e) positivity. …

School Leaders’ Role In Supporting Teacher Well-Being, Olena V. Stuart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher well-being is a crucial component of thriving and successful schools and impacts multiple domains of education. A multitude of research shows the teaching profession is not easy and teachers continue to face daily challenges in their work, leading to increased stress, low morale, lack of commitment, and departure from the teaching profession. Teacher well-being continues to suffer due to the many challenges teachers face. While knowledge exists on what factors affect teacher well-being, there is insufficient research about how to support and enhance teacher well-being. The purpose of this qualitative single holistic case study was to explore the practices …

An Exploration Of The Influence Of Occupational Mentorship On The Success Of Black Female Executive Leaders In Educational Sales, Bashelia H. Ward

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The dearth of Black women in executive-level leadership roles within U.S. business organizations persists due to numerous barriers such as tokenism; racial fatigue; stereotypes; a lack of identity; and the intersection of race, gender, and social injustices impeding their upward mobility in the educational sales industry. Despite recognizing the potential for change through tools and programs, the absence of robust occupational mentorship emerges as a pivotal barrier hindering the transformation of Black women’s roles in these educational sales environments. The sample size for this hermeneutical qualitative study was seven Black women in the K–12 educational sales industry. Data collection methods …

Perception Of Parents And Teachers On Discipline Strategies For Preschoolers In Some Selected Schools In Nigeria And The United States Of America, Solape Folaranmi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the perceptions of parents and teachers on discipline strategies used for preschoolers in Nigeria and the United States. It explored their choice(s) of discipline strategies, similarities and differences, and the perceived impacts on preschoolers' development. The study aimed to identify effective and appropriate strategies.

This qualitative study used semi-structured Zoom interviews with 6 teachers and 6 parents from both countries. Interview data were analyzed using Atlas.ti software to identify key themes and patterns. Findings revealed cross-cultural differences in discipline approaches, with Nigerian participants showing high acceptance of corporal punishment as a discipline strategy while the USA participants …

Rural High-School Principals’ Perceptions Of Their Understanding Of Special Education Law, Tiffany Jenkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study aimed to determine rural high school principals’ perceptions of their understanding of special education law. Although there is some literature regarding administrators' perceptions of their understanding of special education policies and procedures, this study focused specifically on special education law and perceived versus actual levels of understanding.

Data Collection strategies include voluntary, focused interviews of rural high school principals via Zoom. Data analysis included transcriptions of interviews, member checking, open coding, identifying themes and content analysis, and finally, interpretation and triangulation of the data. The analysis of this study was based on the theoretical proposition of andragogy. …

Iep Team Decision-Making: Influences On Self-Contained Placement Decisions For Students With Disabilities Transitioning From Preschool To Kindergarten, April Herron

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to examine how IEP team members describe the key influences that impacted their decision-making during the preschool to kindergarten transition process for students with disabilities subsequently placed in self-contained special education settings. The study aimed to contribute to the literature by examining IEP team experiences and the decision-making process through the lens of social constructivism and ecological systems theory. Data collection included fifteen individual interviews with special education supervisors, school administrators, regular education teachers, special educators, and parents from three school districts. Analysis of data occurred in four phases: (a) organization of the …

Mathematics Outcomes For Career And Technical Students Enrolled At A Community College In East Tennessee, Malissa Trent

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the success of college-ready and academically underprepared community college students in a college-level math course designed for career and technical programs. A non-experimental two-group comparative design with existing data examined differences in academic metrics based on participation in a corequisite learning support mathematics course. The study used a sample size of 1070 students from a community college in East Tennessee who were enrolled in a college-level Trigonometric Applications course between the fall of 2015 and the spring of 2024. Due to a lack of prior academic preparation, 500 of these students …

Commitment To The Profession: Elementary Teacher Perceptions Of Self-Determination And Professional Retention In Tennessee, Riley A. Prickett-Armstrong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher burnout and loss of teachers in the profession have affected school and district capacity to effectively staff all positions. The pandemic brought about unique changes and challenges to classrooms worldwide, disrupting the educational process for over 94% of the world’s student population. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine factors influencing teacher self-determination and retention at the elementary school level in Tennessee school districts to better understand how administrators can support teachers. The central research question investigated elementary teacher perceptions of self-determination and professional retention. A series of in-depth interviews with twelve participants produced data and subsequent …

Reading Between The Lines: A Mixed Methods Investigation Of Teachers’ Understanding And Implementation Of The Science Of Reading, Karen L. Dumas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the nation, the science of reading (SoR) is sweeping through schools, realigning instructional practices, altering curricula, and causing a shift in educators’ ideologies. Therefore, exploring teachers’ understanding of the science of reading and the classroom implementation may offer valuable insights for school leaders, policymakers, and educators during this period of transition. This explanatory sequential mixed methods investigation researched SoR knowledge and implementation of K-3 general education teachers in Pennsylvania.

This study took place in two phases: quantitative followed by qualitative. During the quantitative phase, 141 K-3 teachers in Pennsylvania participated in the Teacher Understanding of Literacy Constructs and Evidence-Based …

Student Performance And Course Modality: The Relationship Between Outcomes, Modality, And Course Subject, Olivia Baxley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify if a significant relationship existed between teaching modality and student performance outcomes while also considering the factor of course subject being taught during the 2021-2023 academic years. Three courses were included in the research: Math 1630 Finite Mathematics, English 1010 Composition I, and Biology 1110 General Biology. Each of the three courses are introductory level courses in the math, English, and science subject. The study also included statistical analysis on gender as related to student performance outcomes.

The findings presented of this research showed a significant relationship between teaching modality and …

An Examination Of How Professional Relationships And Professional Development Influence The Lived Experiences Of African American Women Serving As Superintendents In Texas, Tiffany L. Linwood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study investigated the effects of professional relationships and professional development on the experiences of 11 African American women superintendents in Texas, a historically underrepresented minority in educational leadership. It explored the challenges these women have had in advancing to and excelling in superintendent positions, emphasizing the need for mentoring, networking, and ongoing professional development. Despite the variety of students, educational leadership, especially at the superintendent level, is primarily White and male. This study used qualitative approaches, particularly semistructured interviews, to explore the perspectives of African American women superintendents about how professional relationships and growth impact their careers. …

Teacher Perspectives On A Teacher Mentorship Program And Its Influence On A Sense Of Belonging And Professional Growth., Hyun Kang Wilson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher retention is crisis in the U.S. and globally. Literature suggests the first five years of teaching is a crucial time range to determine if teachers stay in the profession or quit. Teachers will leave the profession due to lack of support, poor school culture, feeling isolated, high work-related stress, poor compensation, and challenging student behaviors. Research suggests that new teacher mentorship programs are effective in addressing teacher support, ultimately improving teacher retention. Literature also suggests that employees are more likely to stay with a company if they feel belonged. To explore the further into a new teacher mentorship program …

"I Never Really Saw Anybody That Looked Like Me In A Book": A Positioning Theory Analysis Of Preservice Teachers' Critical Reflections., Melissa Lee Zipper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to understand how preservice teachers develop their criticality within a semester long undergraduate course focused on children’s literature. This study addresses a well-documented practical knowledge gap in education research: although preservice teachers claim to understand the importance of a culturally relevant and sustaining curriculum, they do not know how to effectuate that curriculum when it comes to their future classrooms. Using Positioning Theory as a theoretical lens and an analytical tool, the study explores how preservice teachers position themselves in relation to developing their criticality through participation in a course curriculum purposefully …

Perceptions Of Unstructured Recess And Classroom Behaviors In Elementary School Settings., Allison Shockley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The priority on core curriculum areas such as math and reading has resulted in limited physical activity and regular recess routines. With the increased time spent on core curriculum, teachers and administrators have shifted their focus towards standardized student testing achievement. This focus has resulted in limiting or doing away with unstructured recess with the hopes that students will gain more core curriculum knowledge. This dissertation will focus on educators' perceptions of elementary school student behavior with varying recess time structures. This study began by examining the history of recess while analyzing the trickled- down historical inequities elementary students experience …

Preparing For Inevitable Uncertainty : Collaborative Sensemaking Of Assets And Barriers To Becoming A Jewish Supplementary School Educator., Mindy M. Gold

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While teacher shortages are a shared national challenge, responses are shaped by local nuances (McHenry-Sorber et al., 2019). This research explored how community-identified assets might address teacher recruitment challenges in supplementary Jewish education programs, a microcosm of public education. Many Jewish supplementary schools are investigating curricular and programmatic approaches to attract students and families without commensurate inquiry into attracting teachers to the field. The disproportionate focus has occurred amidst a shrinking pool of candidates (Rosov Consulting, 2021b). In this study, I asked: What do supplementary Jewish education school community members see as assets/barriers to recruiting educators in their school community? …

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The Impact Of Curriculum Support Through Museum/Education Partnerships In Rural Communities, Erin Gentry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Museum education is a dynamic field, and often an underutilized or nonexistent resource in the educational sphere of rural communities. Within the current system of rural K-12 schools, a local museum can serve as both educational enrichment and entertainment/reward. The author’s research explores how museums in rural communities can actively collaborate with schools through a fusion of art and science using an interdisciplinary curriculum model to provide educational support and enrichment to both students and teachers. This research focused on high school students enrolled in a Title 1 charter school located within a rural district in east Texas. The author …

Early College Credit Programs As Predictors Of Postsecondary Student Success., Emily K. Spoden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Early college credit programs (ECCPs), such as AP, dual enrollment, and IB programs, were created to provide more challenging college-level coursework to academically advanced high school students. Educators and policymakers have encouraged high school students to participate in these programs with the goals of being prepared academically for college, saving money on tuition by earning college credits early, and speeding up time to postsecondary graduation. The purpose of this study was to examine likelihood of postsecondary first-year retention and graduation timeframe as a result of participating in — and earning credits from — these programs. Participants of this study included …

It Is Well: A Narrative Study Examining The Impact Of Community Cultural Wealth For Black Students Experiencing Grief During The Covid-19 Era., Daquarius Mahone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the intersection of grief, race, and resilience among Black college students navigating grief during the COVID-19 pandemic at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Through the lens of Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) and employing Narrative Inquiry methodology, this study amplifies the voices of Black students who experienced profound loss during an era marked by both personal grief and societal upheaval. By analyzing their lived experiences, the research reveals how students draw upon cultural assets—such as familial, social, and aspirational capital—to endure and thrive in the face of grief. The study identifies five pivotal themes: personal connection to lost loved …

Catholic High School Principals’ Experiences With Parent-School Relationships And Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy., Alexander J. Glaser

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Principals feel overworked in part due to their responsibilities and the demands of the modern educational institution. Furthermore, dynamics between schools and parents are changing in an increasingly polarized climate. Catholic schools face a unique challenge as school choice is more prevalent and client pools become more diverse. Understanding self-efficacy is elemental to building resiliency in principals leading schools in the current climate. Through this mixed-methods phenomenological study, I sought to understand Catholic secondary school principals’ levels of self-efficacy in daily tasks and determine how parent-school relationships explain these perceptions. I used descriptive data and interviews which led to several …

Implementation Of A Sustainability Dual Credit Course Curriculum To Support Environmental Literacy In An Urban High School., Rachelle Wood

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This bound case study examined the curricular support of Environmental Literacy in urban high school through the implementation of authentic environmental education experiences through a Sustainability Dual Credit course. Environmental Education provides students opportunities to engage in authentic local and global issues that exist beyond the classroom walls. Environmental Education is essential for students to become environmentally literate, where they are empowered to make sustainable choices that contribute to a sustainable future. A review of literature revealed there is a gap in current literature regarding how the curriculum of Sustainability Dual Credit courses supports Environmental Literacy in a United States …

Building A Future Of "Vision, Passion, And Possibilities" In Eastern Kentucky: How Veteran Educators Understand And Suggest Improving Teacher Retention., Robert Brian Collins Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigates the root causes of teacher attrition, retention, and turnover in Eastern Kentucky through the perceptions and lived experiences of highquality veteran educators—those who have persisted in the profession for five or more years. Grounded in participatory action research, asset-based community development, and future-creating methodologies, the study centers the voices of experienced teachers not only as subjects of inquiry but as co-constructors of knowledge and potential solutions. Drawing on empathy interviews with educators across Eastern Kentucky districts, the research identifies core tensions contributing to attrition, including policy misalignment, lack of autonomy, and emotional exhaustion. Simultaneously, it illuminates …

College Readiness In Mathematics Related To Student Academic And Belonging Mindsets, Tabitha Sherrell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My quantitative study investigated the differences and correlations between students’ academic (growth vs. fixed) mindsets and belonging mindsets when enrolled in a college-level mathematics course or enrolled in both the college-level mathematics and learning support mathematics courses. The study was conducted at a Tennessee community college in the Fall 2021 semester. Sixty-two students completed the paper survey, which consisted of 17 items that measured academic (growth vs. fixed) and belonging mindsets and included demographic items (age and gender) and ACT mathematics scores. I conducted independent t-tests to find any significant differences between academic (growth vs. fixed) mindset scores and belonging …

Why Teachers Stay: A Multiple Case Study Of Retention In Small To Midsized Schools, Karen Shaw Ewton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher retention presents a critical challenge for small to midsized school districts, often compounded by limited resources and unique community dynamics. Using Herzberg’s twofactor theory, this qualitative study explored factors influencing teacher retention in districts with retention rates exceeding 85%. Semistructured interviews with nine teachers examined the impact of hygiene factors, such as administrative support and compensation, and motivators, like autonomy and professional growth. Thematic analysis revealed that administrative support and equitable workloads prevent dissatisfaction, while motivators such as meaningful relationships, recognition, and relevant professional development drive commitment. Professional development emerged as both a motivator and a hygiene factor based …

It Starts With Trust: How Mid-Level Student Affairs Supervisor Trust Behaviors Impact Entry-Level Staff Leave Intention, Latonya Monique Robinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the impact of how higher education student affairs mid-level managers (supervisors) develop and maintain trust with directly supervised entry-level staff (employees). Intervention in complex student development-oriented activities, student crises, and political protests has increased since the 1930s at higher education institutions throughout the United States. Entry-level or frontline student affairs staff manage these challenges most frequently. Yet these professionals often leave their positions within 3 years. Studies have highlighted inconsistent supervision as one of three reasons entry-level staff vacated their roles. Although many researchers have investigated why these staff members exited the field, less knowledge exists about …

A Qualitative Study Exploring Senior Leaders’ Experiences And Perceptions In Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment In The U.S. Federal Government: A Systems Perspective, Karen Jane Dean

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sexual harassment (SH) is a prevalent, costly, and often unreported problem in the U.S. Federal Government. Despite decades of research from multiple perspectives and recommendations to address SH, the problem persists and remains complex. While some researchers and U.S. Government agencies have called upon leaders to commit to eliminating workplace SH, others have suggested using an integrated conflict management system (ICMS) to manage the complexity, nuances, and conflicts. Even though there is a call for leadership to address SH, there is limited documentation in the literature about leaders’ experiences and perceptions in addressing the problem. Therefore, this qualitative study was …

Non-Esl High School Teachers’ Instructional Training And Professional Development Needs And Their Emergent Bilingual Student Classrooms, Brynn Erin Caddell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. emergent bilingual student population continues to grow and is projected to increase nationwide. The growing population of students has specific academic and social needs that need to be addressed and provided for emergent bilingual students to be successful. This qualitative case study examined the instructional needs of high school non-English as a second language (ESL) teachers who serve emergent bilingual students and how the district can support the instructional practices of high school teachers in an urban school district in Texas. The problem addressed in this study was the lack of instructional training and professional development for secondary …

The Influence Of Smartphone Usage On Students’ Academic Performance, Sense Of Belonging, And Self-Efficacy, Zachary Ross Weinstein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since the COVID-19 pandemic ended, U.S. postsecondary students' smartphone usage has increased. Smartphone usage has become more embedded into campuses and affects the lives of students pursuing postsecondary education. This study sought to explore whether three specific measures of smartphone usage can predict students' academic performance, self-efficacy, and sense of belonging. These measures included daily average screen time, daily average social screen time, and problematic smartphone usage.

First-time freshman (FTF) participants (n = 154) were sampled from four institutions of higher education in the Southeastern region of the United States. This study followed a cross-sectional design to distribute a survey …

University Administrators’ Perceptions On Social Inequalities And Retention Of First-Year African American Students At Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus), Toni V. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Low retention rates of African American students in U.S. higher education institutions remain an issue, with researchers exploring possible contributing factors, including social inequalities. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perspectives of administrators from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on the unique barriers African American students face in the HBCU context, including financial hardship, academic unpreparedness, and limited opportunities for social integration. Data were collected through detailed, voice-recorded, semistructured interviews conducted via Zoom with administrators, including provosts, presidents, and directors from 12 current and former HBCUs, to explore how policies initially perceived as unfavorable could positively impact institutional leadership …

Internal Communication And Organizational Culture: A K–12 District Office Phenomenological Study, Jessica Coleman Scogin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study utilized motivating language theory to explore the experiences that K–12 district office staff had with internal communication. The purpose of the study was to find how these experiences impacted an employee’s feelings of safety, value, and positive emotions in the workplace. The lens of motivating language allowed for a view of how empathetic language, meaning-making language, and direction-giving language shaped experiences for employees. Communication is an integral part of the culture of an organization; yet it is often overlooked as an influencing factor in job satisfaction and well-being. In fact, poor internal communication can lead to negativity …