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Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

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Teachers’ Perceptions Of Preventing Teacher-Directed Violence In Urban Title I Schools, Allison Mashburn Apr 2026

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Preventing Teacher-Directed Violence In Urban Title I Schools, Allison Mashburn

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was investigated through this study was the increase in suspensions for teacher-directed violence at two urban mid-Atlantic Title I elementary schools. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore elementary teachers’ perceptions of preventing and managing teacher-directed violence in two Title I mid-Atlantic schools. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework was used as the foundation for environmental explanations. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews with 10 teacher participants were conducted. The thematic analysis resulted in three themes based on the teacher request for (a) classroom management resources and supports, (b) clarifying the code of conduct, and (c) improving …


Educators’ Experiences With Structured Word Inquiry For Spelling Underachievement In K–8 Students, Leah Skinner Apr 2026

Educators’ Experiences With Structured Word Inquiry For Spelling Underachievement In K–8 Students, Leah Skinner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this basic qualitative study was that K–8 students in the western United States continue to experience spelling underachievement despite structured literacy interventions. Grounded in Bowers and Kirby’s structured word inquiry (SWI) framework, the purpose of this study was to explore educators’ experiences implementing SWI for spelling instruction with K–8 students in the western United States. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 16 K–8 educators with SWI experience who were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Thematic analysis using open and axial coding resulted in six themes. Findings indicated that educators perceived SWI as an effective, …


Traditionally Certified, Second-Career Teachers’ Perceptions Of Intent To Stay In The Classroom, Tara L. Wells Apr 2026

Traditionally Certified, Second-Career Teachers’ Perceptions Of Intent To Stay In The Classroom, Tara L. Wells

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study was the high teacher turnover, including traditionally certified, second-career teachers (TCSCTs), in United States classrooms, despite support and additional resources provided. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine TCSCTs’ perceptions on the reasons and their recommendations to remain in the classroom. Ingersoll's teacher turnover and retention framework was used to conceptually frame this study. Using a basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 TCSCTs. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The following themes emerged: TCSCTs remain in the profession primarily due to a sense of purpose in their …


Experiences Of Classroom Teachers’ Technology Use During And After A Pandemic, William Primrose Apr 2026

Experiences Of Classroom Teachers’ Technology Use During And After A Pandemic, William Primrose

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem explored in this study was that during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers began using new or existing technology for which they were unprepared. Framed by Davis’ technology acceptance model (TAM), the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to examine the experiences of middle school teachers’ technology use during and after the pandemic, including their perceived usefulness of the technology in their classrooms, their intended use of the technology moving forward, and what support they may need from administration to continue using technology consistently. Data was collected through interviews with 10 teachers who taught during and after the COVID-19 …


Preschool Special Educators' Perceptions On Using Role-Play To Improve Language Development For Preschoolers With Autism, Ini Udosen Apr 2026

Preschool Special Educators' Perceptions On Using Role-Play To Improve Language Development For Preschoolers With Autism, Ini Udosen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that preschool special educators are not consistently integrating role-play strategies when teaching language development to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at ABC district (a pseudonym), a district in the southeastern United States. Grounded in Vygotsky’s social learning construct, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of preschool special educators on using role-playing exercises to model proper communication behaviors and to improve learning skills as well as other advantages of role-play activities for children with ASD at ABC district. For this basic qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted …


Early Childhood Pre-Service Teacher Interns’ Experiences In Building Relationships With Students’ Families, Fungayi Madzonga Apr 2026

Early Childhood Pre-Service Teacher Interns’ Experiences In Building Relationships With Students’ Families, Fungayi Madzonga

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Strong relationships between educators and students’ families are essential for fostering learning environments to meet the needs of early childhood students. The problem that was addressed through this study is that many early childhood preservice teacher interns (ECPTIs) experience challenges in building relationships with students’ families during the internship phase of teacher preparation in Alberta. Framed by ecological systems and self determination theories, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore ECPTIs’ experiences building relationships with students’ families and to understand the resources needed to strengthen those relationships in Alberta. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 12 ECPTIs …


Grade 8 Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions Of Students’ Low Performance In A Northeast U.S. State, Jheneal Dixon Mar 2026

Grade 8 Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions Of Students’ Low Performance In A Northeast U.S. State, Jheneal Dixon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through the study is that 82% of Grade 8 students score below proficiency on the end of year mathematics exam in a Northeast state. Grounded in Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and Gay’s culturally responsive theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Grade 8 mathematics teachers’ perceptions of the factors contributing to students’ low performance and the resources needed to support student success. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews with 10 Grade 8 mathematics teachers were conducted. Through thematic analysis, the following four themes emerged: teachers were …


Perspectives Of Elementary Teachers On The Challenges Of Implementing Reading Technology, Hajirah Abdullah Mar 2026

Perspectives Of Elementary Teachers On The Challenges Of Implementing Reading Technology, Hajirah Abdullah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Reading skills in elementary school students continue to decline despite the efforts of teachers and lawmakers. The problem addressed through this study was that although teachers at ABC Elementary School (pseudonym) had access to 30 different software/apps for technology literacy programs that could help improve student achievement on state assessments, district data showed that very few teachers were using the technology with students. The purpose of this qualitative project study was to explore the perspectives of elementary teachers on the challenges of implementing reading technology and ways to better support its use in classroom instruction at ABC Elementary School. The …


Teachers And Administrators’ Perspectives Of Teacher Retention Rates During The First 5 Years Of Employment, Seth Hay Mar 2026

Teachers And Administrators’ Perspectives Of Teacher Retention Rates During The First 5 Years Of Employment, Seth Hay

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study was the high percentage of novice teachers leaving the profession during the first 5 years of teaching in a Southwestern state. Grounded in Mitchell et al.'s job embeddedness theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore K-12 teachers’ perspectives on factors influencing their decision to remain in the education profession, as well as K-12 administrators’ perspectives on influencing novice teachers’ decisions to persist in the education profession in a Southwestern state. For this basic qualitative design, data were collected from 10 teachers and three administrators and analyzed using Braun and …


Relationship Between Teacher Psychological Safety And Perceived Administrator Support In Independent Schools, Kim Schinzel Mar 2026

Relationship Between Teacher Psychological Safety And Perceived Administrator Support In Independent Schools, Kim Schinzel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.


Elementary Administrators’ Use Of Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports As A School Reform Model For Discipline, Rashida Patrecé Lee Mar 2026

Elementary Administrators’ Use Of Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports As A School Reform Model For Discipline, Rashida Patrecé Lee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study was that elementary administrators struggle to implement the positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) framework as a school reform model for discipline at a Southern school district (SSD). Grounded in Bandura’s theory on social learning, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore elementary administrators’ perceptions of their successes, challenges, and recommendations for using the PBIS framework as a school reform model for discipline in the SSD. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 administrators that implemented the PBIS framework in their schools. Through thematic analysis using …


Perceptions Of Black And Hispanic Superintendents In Texas Regarding Their Superintendency Pathways, Maria Faqier Mar 2026

Perceptions Of Black And Hispanic Superintendents In Texas Regarding Their Superintendency Pathways, Maria Faqier

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The lack of diversity in the superintendent workforce in Texas is a significant concern that affects the educational experiences and opportunities of Texas students, teachers, families, and their communities. The problem addressed through this study was the underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic superintendents in Texas school districts. Guided by critical race theory and intersectionality theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Black and Hispanic superintendents’ perceptions of their successes, challenges, and recommendations to secure a superintendent position in Texas. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine Black and Hispanic superintendents (two Black women, two Black men, two …


Faith-Based School Leaders’ Strategies For Addressing Achievement Gaps Since The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jolene Culver Mar 2026

Faith-Based School Leaders’ Strategies For Addressing Achievement Gaps Since The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jolene Culver

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that faith-based school leaders are challenged to support teachers to address student achievement gaps following the COVID-19 pandemic. Grounded in Bass’s transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate strategies veteran faith-based school leaders use to support teachers in addressing student achievement gaps in six Ohio districts that had a minimum of 50 students. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with one faith-based school leader from each of the six Ohio districts. Thematic coding yielded four themes encompassing the strategies that veteran faith-based school …


Implementation Of Sustainable Development Goals In Higher Education, Adam Mehmet Kilic Mar 2026

Implementation Of Sustainable Development Goals In Higher Education, Adam Mehmet Kilic

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that higher education institutions play a critical role in advancing the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), yet limited research offers guidance on how institutions can implement the SDGs through systems-oriented strategic planning. Guided by Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and Senge’s systems thinking, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the integration of SDGs into its policies and practices to inform effective, transformative approaches at a private Texas university. For this case study design, data were collected through 11 semistructured interviews, a focus group with five administrators and faculty, and …


Recent High School Graduates' Perspectives On The Practice Of Teacher Empathy As An Approach To Engage Learners, Susanna Michelle Post Mar 2026

Recent High School Graduates' Perspectives On The Practice Of Teacher Empathy As An Approach To Engage Learners, Susanna Michelle Post

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study is that recent high school graduates’ perspectives on how teachers practiced empathy as an approach to engage learners have not been explored in an urban school district in a Southern state. Grounded in a conceptual framework that incorporates Kleinfeld’s concept of warm demander pedagogy with Goleman’s emotional intelligence theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore recent high school graduates’ perspectives on how teachers practiced empathy as an approach to engage learners in an urban school district in a Southern state. For this basic qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 …


Investigating Teachers’ Resistance To Instructional Coach Support In A Southern, Rural U.S. School District, Tukiiya Stephens Mar 2026

Investigating Teachers’ Resistance To Instructional Coach Support In A Southern, Rural U.S. School District, Tukiiya Stephens

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Instructional coaching is a strategy designed to support systematic changes in instructional practices and improve student achievement. In the study site district, teachers were required to use instructional coaching as a mandated form of pedagogical support for enhancing teaching practices and improving student achievement. However, prior to this study, 48% of teachers did not seek support from the instructional coaches (ICs) hired to provide this job-embedded professional development. Guided by Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate teachers’ perspectives regarding the lack of engagement with ICs and to identify ways to increase …


School-Based Human Service Professionals’ Perceptions Of The Relationships Between Black Families And Southern Schools, Vanessa Faye Barnhill Mar 2026

School-Based Human Service Professionals’ Perceptions Of The Relationships Between Black Families And Southern Schools, Vanessa Faye Barnhill

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The experiences that Black parents had in school have been found to influence how they view and interact with schools and the challenges and barriers related to their child’s education attainment. It is important to understand school-based human service professionals’ perceptions about the relationship that Black families have with Southern schools and suggestions these professionals have about promoting better communication and understanding with Black families. The purpose of this qualitative generic study was to examine school human service professionals’ perceptions about the relationship that Black families have with schools and to gather suggestions about how they could promote communication and …


Hbcu Presidents’ Perceptions About The Unique Financial Challenges Influencing Enrollment, Tiffany Hardy Terrell Mar 2026

Hbcu Presidents’ Perceptions About The Unique Financial Challenges Influencing Enrollment, Tiffany Hardy Terrell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are important to the educational landscape. The problem that was addressed through this study was the unique financial challenges that influence enrollment at HBCUs. Guided by the conceptual framework of transformational leadership, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore HBCU presidents’ perceptions about the unique financial challenges as well as recommendations on how to overcome these challenges that influence enrollment at their institutions. Semistructured interviews were conducted with five former and three current HBCU presidents who had been in their role for a minimum of 1 year. Using in vivo coding, …


Innovative Strategies To Promote Financial Sustainability In Nonprofit Universities, Frank Koomson Mar 2026

Innovative Strategies To Promote Financial Sustainability In Nonprofit Universities, Frank Koomson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A lack of sustainable funding can negatively affect nonprofit universities’ ability to support students and retain qualified staff. Anchored in the Baldrige Excellence Framework, the purpose of this consulting capstone qualitative single-case study was to identify innovative strategies that nonprofit university business executives use to generate funds to promote financial sustainability. This study is important for nonprofit university executives and higher education decision-makers because effective revenue strategies can strengthen financial sustainability and support long-term organizational viability. The participant was an organizational leader with extensive experience and knowledge of the research phenomenon. Data were collected using a semistructured interview and a …


High School Teachers’ Perspectives Of Middle School Biomedical Science Career Exploration Programs, Stephanie Gurule-Leyba Mar 2026

High School Teachers’ Perspectives Of Middle School Biomedical Science Career Exploration Programs, Stephanie Gurule-Leyba

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Biomedical sciences (BMS) are a common career pathway for U.S. Hispanic high school students interested in pursuing healthcare careers. Little was known about how middle school career exploration programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics motivate Hispanic students to continue pursuing BMS careers. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore high school teachers’ perspectives of how middle school BMS career exploration programs can motivate Hispanic students’ interest in BMS careers. The study was grounded in Keller’s attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction motivation model. Thirteen high school BMS teachers, who have taught or are currently teaching the PLTW …


Third-Grade Teachers’ Experiences When Implementing Technology Tools To Enhance Literacy Instruction, Sherry Ann Kim Marie Meeks Feb 2026

Third-Grade Teachers’ Experiences When Implementing Technology Tools To Enhance Literacy Instruction, Sherry Ann Kim Marie Meeks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study was that third-grade teachers had challenges fostering students’ use of technology during instruction to increase literacy proficiency at rural schools in the western Caribbean. Grounded in Siemens’s connectivism theory, the purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of third-grade teachers when using technology to improve students’ literacy proficiency levels. Data were collected from 14 third-grade teachers from regional primary schools who had in-depth knowledge about integrating technology into third-grade instruction. Thematic analysis using open coding yielded six themes: teachers (1) believe technology plays an important role in preparing third-grade students …


Teachers' Experiences Implementing Play-Based Learning Practices In Prekindergarten–Kindergarten Classrooms, Atiana T. Carroll Feb 2026

Teachers' Experiences Implementing Play-Based Learning Practices In Prekindergarten–Kindergarten Classrooms, Atiana T. Carroll

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was that prekindergarten and kindergarten (PK-K) teachers in one large southern U.S. school district were not implementing play-based learning (PBL) practices despite the well-documented benefits of PBL in early childhood education. Guided by Knowles’s adult learning theory and Kolb’s experiential learning theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore PK-K teachers’ experiences with implementing PBL and to identify what teachers need to embed PBL practices in PK-K classrooms. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine PK-K teachers, and thematic analysis was applied to identify key patterns. Four themes emerged from the analysis: …


Lived Experiences Of Autonomy, Competence, And Relatedness To Commitment Among Middle School Teachers, Chandra Garlington-Hughes Feb 2026

Lived Experiences Of Autonomy, Competence, And Relatedness To Commitment Among Middle School Teachers, Chandra Garlington-Hughes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Retaining middle school teachers has become increasingly challenging due to factors such as burnout, limited leadership support, and high job demands. School administrators need to understand these factors as a key indicator contributing to elevated attrition rates. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of middle school teachers regarding work-related autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and how these psychological needs contribute to their long-term commitment to the profession. Self-determination theory and Dahlberg’s reflective lifeworld research approach grounded this study. The participants were 11 U.S. middle school teachers with 5 or more years of professional …


Medical-Surgical Nurses’ Perceptions On Incivility In A Hospital Setting, Monsurat Atinuke Mohammed Feb 2026

Medical-Surgical Nurses’ Perceptions On Incivility In A Hospital Setting, Monsurat Atinuke Mohammed

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Incivility in nursing has become a chronic issue that harms nurses, patients, teams, and organizations. Individuals often feel belittled, which contributes to frequent job dissatisfaction and resignation, ultimately resulting in financial losses for an organization. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study, guided by Johnson’s behavioral model, was to explore nurses’ perceptions about incivility in a medical-surgical hospital setting. Ten semistructured audio-recorded interviews were conducted with registered nurses recruited through a professional organization. The data were manually transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Saldana’s approach. Results indicated four themes: (a) workplace culture and interpersonal dynamics, (b) need for support and mentorship, …


Black Women’S Critical And Racial Literacy Practices In Higher Education, Cherita Harrell Feb 2026

Black Women’S Critical And Racial Literacy Practices In Higher Education, Cherita Harrell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was the limited understanding of how Black female college students experienced critical and racial literacy practices within college-level reading and writing courses, particularly within dominant literacy frameworks that privileged White, Eurocentric norms of language, knowledge, expression, and representation. Grounded in Luke’s critical literacy and Sealey-Ruiz’s racial literacy frameworks, the purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how Black female college students described their experiences in reading and writing courses, including how dominant literacy frameworks influenced their engagement in ways that limited expression, created barriers to participation, and shaped their academic experiences and personal …


Perceptions Of High School Graduates And Educators Regarding A Mathematics Intervention For College And Career Readiness, Annie Elizabeth Carpenter Feb 2026

Perceptions Of High School Graduates And Educators Regarding A Mathematics Intervention For College And Career Readiness, Annie Elizabeth Carpenter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that, from 2017 through 2024, over 68% of 11th-grade students consistently did not meet the college- and career-readiness American College Test standards benchmark in mathematics at Midwest High School (MHS, a pseudonym), which used the Kendall Hunt Illustrative Mathematics (KHIM) curriculum. Guided by Bruner’s theory of instruction and KHIM’s structural components, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate high school graduates’ and non-administrative educators’ perceptions about learning and teaching with the KHIM curriculum and explore non-administrative educators’ suggestions for enhancements and evolutions to the curriculum at MHS. Semistructured interviews were …


Challenges And Supports Of Principals’ Implementation Of Social-Emotional Learning, Nikomar Mosley Feb 2026

Challenges And Supports Of Principals’ Implementation Of Social-Emotional Learning, Nikomar Mosley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

School districts throughout the United States are increasingly implementing social and emotional learning (SEL). The problem addressed in this study is that K-12 principals are struggling with the mandated implementation of SEL at Northeastern School District (NSD), a large, diverse urban school district. Guided by the collaborative for academic, social, and emotional learning competency and implementation frameworks, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore K-12 principals’ experiences with the mandated implementation of SEL at NSD. For this basic qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 principals. Through thematic analysis, the following themes emerged: (a) SEL is not …


Perspectives Of Early Childhood Degree Students, Mentors, And Faculty On Quality Field Experiences, Carmen Cook Feb 2026

Perspectives Of Early Childhood Degree Students, Mentors, And Faculty On Quality Field Experiences, Carmen Cook

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a need for high-quality practice-based field experiences as a component of early childhood teacher preparation programs. This need had been deemed critical and was prioritized by both national and local organizations in a Midwest state. Little research had focused on the quality of field experiences. Guided by Dewey’s progressive education and Vygotsky’s social cultural theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of students, mentor teachers, and faculty on what constitutes high-quality field experiences and what components of the field experience are most important. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 early childhood degree …


Upper Elementary Teachers' Experiences In Teaching Narrative Writing In Title I Classrooms, Courteney O. Manning Feb 2026

Upper Elementary Teachers' Experiences In Teaching Narrative Writing In Title I Classrooms, Courteney O. Manning

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed in this study is that third through fifth grade students continue to score below district expectations on the Georgia Milestones Assessment System in narrative writing. Guided by the Ofsted inspection framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand the experiences of upper elementary teachers teaching writing in Title I classrooms. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 participants who taught upper elementary grades. Through thematic coding, four themes emerged outlining (a) the instructional success teachers experienced teaching narrative writing, (b) the instructional challenges of teaching narrative writing, (c) teachers’ beliefs about …


Educator Retention And Director Practices In Early Childhood Education Settings, Katherine Williams Feb 2026

Educator Retention And Director Practices In Early Childhood Education Settings, Katherine Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood education (ECE) educators leave their profession at a rate 14% higher than K-12 educators, resulting in multisystemic issues that affect children, families, staff, and the ECE industry. Research has shown a connection between leadership practices and ECE educator turnover intentions; however, there is limited research on the relationship between the servant-leadership (SL) practices of ECE directors and ECE educators’ turnover intentions. Grounded in Greenleaf’s theory of servant-leadership, the purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the relationship between ECE director SL practices and its seven dimensions, measured using the SL scale, and ECE educator turnover intentions, measured …