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 …

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 …

A Pipeline To Prison Or A Pathway To Promise? The Inequities Fueling The School To Prison Pipeline, Ranishia Lachelle Bailey

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This systematic review proposal would investigate the school-to-prison pipeline and examine the role of pedagogical interventions in mitigating youth involvement in the justice system. By analyzing existing literature, this proposal would study and explore how school system biases, educational frameworks, and systemic factors contribute to the perpetuation of this pipeline, with a specific focus on how educational policies and disciplinary practices impact at-risk youth. The review aims to identify effective interventions that can disrupt this cycle, including restorative justice practices, trauma-informed education, positive behavioral interventions, and culturally responsive teaching. A comprehensive search strategy should be employed across various academic databases, …

“I Have Returned Home”: Understanding The Re-Entry Experience Of Saudi Female Scholars After Completing Their Doctoral Studies In The United States, Hajer Asiri

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The experiences of Saudi female scholars returning from abroad remain underexplored. This study investigates how Saudi women in higher education institutions readjust and reintegrate into professional and cultural environments after completing doctoral studies in the United States. Using a narrative approach informed by transformational learning theory (TLT), it examines reverse culture shock and the coping mechanisms employed by these women. Five female participants from various Saudi institutions were interviewed in semi-structured sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: Cultural Readjustment, Professional Reintegration, Family and Social Dynamics, Personal Transformation, and Coping Strategies. The findings underscore the …

Seeking Sustainable Tutoring Programs: A Case For Supplemental Instruction For The Success Of Middle School Students At The Sj Davis Campus In San Antonio, Texas, Charles Mazuca

Theses & Dissertations

Seeking Sustainable Tutoring Programs: A Case for Supplemental Instruction for the Success of Middle School Students at the SJ Davis Campus in San Antonio, Texas

Charles Andrew Mazuca

University of the Incarnate Word, 2025

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to implement a pilot tutoring program on the campus of a public middle school in San Antonio, Texas, that supports improved math performance of under-performing students on the state mandated standardized test known as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam; broadly speaking, the study posed the question “How might a school community create a sustainable …

Faculty Perception Of Lean Thinking In Higher Education, Mikhail Shilov

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are many challenges that higher education institutions (HEI) are facing that include rising cost of education, reduction in student population, competition from other universities and alternative educational platforms, as well as reduction in public confidence. To stay competitive, HEIs could utilize performance improvement methods that have been proven to be advantageous in manufacturing and other industries, and one of these methodologies is Lean. Application of Lean in higher education is still in the early stages of development, the methods have been mostly used to improve administrative processes, but not as much in the core educational processes, teaching and research. …

Applications Of Applied Behavior Analysis (Aba) On Students In The Classroom Settings, Sonia G. Lagos-Elizalde-Auliveld

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Effective classroom management is essential for fostering safe, inclusive, and productive learning environments. This senior capstone research project examines the role of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and positive reinforcement in shaping student behavior, particularly in early education and inclusive settings. Drawing from personal experience as a behavior technician and aspiring special educator, the study emphasizes the importance of data-driven, student-centered approaches to behavior support. It reviews core ABA principles and explores their practical implementation in classrooms, highlighting tools, such as the Class Dojo app that facilitates real-time feedback and student motivation. Aligned with the Liberal Studies Major Learning Outcomes at …

Melanated Reflections Through Testimonios: Centering The Experiences Of African American Women Teachers Turned Leaders And Their Implications On Recruitment, Selection, Hiring, And Retention Of Women Of Color In Leadership Positions, Tanya Rochelle Santos

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2022), during the 2017–2018 academic year, only 7% of all teachers identified as Black or African American, with approximately 76% of that group being women. This qualitative study investigates the lived experiences of African American women educators who have transitioned into leadership roles within P–12 educational settings across the Great Plains Region of the United States. The research explores how their experiences intersect with issues of racial and gender equity, particularly within the broader discourse of social justice in education and educational leadership.

Framed within the theoretical lens of Black Feminist Thought, …

An Ethnographic Study: The Influence Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy On Student Agency, Gerald D. Smith Jr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research study aimed to investigate and analyze the methods and practices of teaching within urban educational settings, with a specific focus on the culturally relevant practices that should be integrated into the learning experiences for Black learners. The primary goal was to highlight the necessity for educators within urban educational settings to adopt a culturally relevant pedagogy within their context that promotes higher academic excellence and meaningful learning experiences for Black students through the cultivation of agency. Using an ethnography qualitative research design, the study worked to answer two questions: RQ1: What culturally relevant pedagogical practices are used to …

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 …

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. …

Innovating Professional Learning: A Design Thinking Approach To Pk-12 Education Development, Shanna Hensley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The increasing complexity of 21^st century education has heightened the demand for professional development (PD) that effectively support educators in adapting to evolving standards and diverse student needs. Despite extensive investment in PD, significant gaps remain in its design, implementation, and evaluation, often leading to ineffective outcomes. This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the processes involved in identifying, developing, implementing, and evaluating professional learning programs in PK-12 education, with the goal of identifying key factors that contribute to their effectiveness. Grounded in the design thinking framework, this study employs five phases: empathy, define, ideate, prototype, and test, to investigate how …

Former Foster Youth And The Impact Of Providing Basic Needs On Their Experience In College, Raymond Richard Gordon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation examines the experience of former foster youth as they enter college and attempt to earn a college degree. The Tuition Waiver Program is designed to cover the cost of college beyond any financial aid former foster students receive from the university they are attending. Over 3,000 former foster college students across Texas use the Tuition Waiver Program. However, less than 3% of former foster college students in Texas complete their college degrees (Watt & Faulkner, 2020). A successful college experience for former foster youth provides a firm foundation on which students can continue to grow and develop, gaining …

Navigating The Transition: Hispanic High School Graduates' Experiences With Eight-Week College Semesters, Jonathan Nickerson

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study explored the transition from high school to higher education within the context of eight-week academic semesters for Hispanic students. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and grounded in Schlossberg's Transition Theory, the research investigates the lived experiences of Hispanic high school graduates navigating accelerated college courses. The students faced challenges such as time management, transportation, and financial constraints, they also exhibit resilience and adaptability. The eight-week semester format was generally perceived positively, offering flexibility and fostering a sense of achievement.

Mentoring Matters: Exploring The Impact Of Mentorship On The Professional Growth Of Latina Assistant Principals, Corina Rendon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Abstract This qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological approach. The purpose of this study is to explore the mentoring experiences of Latina assistant principals in the El Paso, Texas region who have been in the role for 0-5 years and to express the need for mentorship in their professional development. While more Latinas are stepping into roles in education, they continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions. Mentorship can be a powerful support system. Through semi-structured interviews, participants shared their lived experiences with formal and informal mentorship. Their voices were analyzed using thematic coding, and several key themes emerged, including …

College Student Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Resilience Through The Eyes Of Transition, Andrew Dies, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Pamela Wells, Antonio P. Gutierrez De Blume, Summer Pannell, Mary Josephine Carney

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

This research focused on the role that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) play in the lives of today’s college students and how protective factors may increase a student’s level of resilience. This study examined participants’ levels of resilience, what ACEs they experienced prior to entering college, and what role protective factors played in mitigating the impacts of ACEs on resilience levels. Results indicated that older students scored higher in resilience than their younger counterparts. The findings indicated protective factors coupled with resilience play a role in the success of college students. Implications for practice suggest institutions of higher education should examine …

Here Be Dragons: The Barriers Of Korean American Female Leaders In Secondary Schools, Joyce A. Kim

Dissertations

In K-12 public schools, there is a shortage of Korean American women in school leadership roles at the secondary level. This phenomenological study explores the contributing factors to this lack of representation, how institutions can recruit and retain Korean American female leaders, and how school systems can better support them. This study examines the leadership experiences of eight Korean American women. It utilizes the socio-political contexts of Korean patriarchy, the Model Minority Myth, and mentorship to help frame the problem of existing barriers. This study explores the following questions: What factors hinder Korean American women in school leadership? What structural …

Educational Leadership In A Vuca World: The Crisis Management Experiences Of Rural School Superintendents, Lucas J. Grossnicklaus

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The job of both urban and rural superintendents is challenging, but it is the rural school superintendency that comes with unique challenges that aren’t always faced by their urban and suburban counterparts. The COVID-19 Pandemic brought about a number of crises for school superintendents such as school closures, mask mandates, and navigating positions taken by governors, teachers unions, and school boards. While concerns about school closures and mask mandates has dissipated, conflict within school districts has only seemed to grow since the pandemic.

This multi-case study explored the lived experience of rural superintendents in the Midwest who have experienced a …

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 …

Making The Invisible Visible: The Experiences Of Black Women In Student Affairs At Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Gennae D. Hinson

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Black women have experienced instances of workplace discrimination in student affairs at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). This interpretive phenomenological study, guided by Black feminist thought, aimed to explore the lived experiences of Black women in student affairs within HSIs. This investigation found that some HSI systemic structures fostered racialized and gendered campus climates, contributing to Black women’s oppression through ageism, racism, tokenism, and sexism. Despite these challenges, Black women developed coping strategies to persist in their roles at HSIs. These strategies included minimizing their emotions, supportive spaces, and advocating for themselves. Sociopolitical forces also impacted Black women’s career advancement due to …

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 …

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. …

Elevándose Más Allá De La Culpa: Navigating Family Achievement Guilt And Familismo In The Academic Journeys Of Latino Male First-Generation College Students In The Inland Empire, Thomas C. Robles

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explores the experiences of Latino first-generation college students (FGCS) in California’s Inland Empire, focusing on family achievement guilt—the emotional tension felt when academic success surpasses that of family members. Rooted in familismo and cultural expectations, this phenomenon can lead to self-doubt, stress, and academic struggles, particularly for Latino males in community colleges. This qualitative study uses a phenomenological approach and testimonios to examine how participants navigate familial obligations, cultural expectations, and academic identities. Findings indicate that while family achievement guilt creates emotional and psychological barriers, students develop resilient coping strategies, including mentorship, peer support, and reframing education as …

Development In Comprehensive Onboarding Training And Professional Development For Online Adjunct Faculty, Leslie R. Stover

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Hiring online adjunct faculty in higher education continues to grow, encompassing nearly half of the overall faculty population. As four-year institutions rely on the benefits of adjunct faculty, they must also invest in their orientation and continuous development. Existing literature confirms the varied approaches to supporting adjunct faculty, deficiency in coordinated programming, and reveals a lack of understanding in adjunct faculty's perception of training delivered. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, this study explored the gap between the onboarding and professional development an institution provides and the online adjunct faculty’s perception of its effectiveness. The research questions explored the lived experiences …

Double, Double, Toils And Troubles: Analyzing The “Magical” Relationships Between University Leaders’ Personality Traits And Their Self-Efficacy In Leadership Situations, Fay Ludvine Boudreaux

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This present study investigated the relationship between higher education leaders’ personality traits and their self-efficacy in leadership situations. A total of 151 leaders employed across the nine institutions within the University of Louisiana System completed a survey that prompted them to identify their personal values, traits, and skill sets, as derived from the online Pottermore quiz, the official Harry Potter Hogwarts House sorting instrument. This niche personality metric was chosen to cater to higher education’s evolving landscape, as it welcomes an influx of Millennials into leadership positions. Participants’ responses were eventually recoded to “sort” them into their respective Houses: Gryffindor, …

English Literacy Instruction In The Early Elementary Years: An Ecological Grounded Theory Of Teacher Decision Making In American Jewish Day Schools, Margaret Elizabeth "Maggie" Madere

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Jewish Day Schools are mission-driven institutions tasked with providing both secular and Judaic education, ensuring the survival of Jewish faith and culture while teaching general academic subjects. Teachers in these schools face the challenge of balancing the need to foster Jewish culture with the requirement to provide a complete secular education, including foundational literacy skills in English for early elementary students. With limited time dedicated to general studies, teachers must make complex decisions about curriculum priorities. This grounded theory study explored how general studies teachers in early elementary grades (kindergarten through third grade) at American Jewish Day Schools decide on …

Teaching Growth: A Quantitative Study Of Faculty’S Instructional Techniques And Their Participation In Professional Development, Daniel Cole

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the relationship between faculty’s instructional practices and their participation in professional development. Data collected from the Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE) was analyzed to investigate correlations between instructional techniques faculty are interested in and their participation in professional development programs (FSSE, 2024). The survey asked faculty which instructional practices they want their institution to teach them, as well as what types of professional development programs those faculty members have participated in during that current school year (FSSE, 2024). Participants provided a response on a 1-4 scale representing how important it is that their institution assists them …

Ua12/2/2 Talisman: Connection, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Spring 2025 Talisman:

• Alali, Cecilia & Ragan Harrington. Connection
• Hardesty, Emma. On a Roll – Dungeons & Dragons
• Muscutt, Carson. Grinding Through Life – Molotov Skateshop
• Cox, Kate. Stopwatch
• Harrington, Ragan. 1 Campus, 7 Strangers – Logan Hesse, Nicholas Basile, Spencer Winterbottom, Alliyah Jones, Alex Gehring, Annie McClurg, Rowan Finley
• Vickers, Abigail. Forged in Combat – Mixed Martial Arts
• Wood-Morris, Oli. Survivors to Neighbors – Bosnian Refugees
• Jordan, Shylin. Severed Roots
• Bivens, Emily. Behind the Screen – Social Media
• Dean, Clarissa. Shear Talent – Shake Rag Barbershop
• Sutton, Avery. For the Love of the Old – Thrift Shopping
• Phelps, Maggie. …

Jessica Basham For Wku Staff Senate, Jessica Basham

Staff Council

Campaign email soliciting votes for Jessica Basham