Educational Leadership Commons^™

Homegrown: Pastor Advocacy For Victims Of Sex Trafficking, Julie Heifner

Dissertations

Human trafficking consists of both sex trafficking (ST) and labor trafficking (LT) and is a growing problem for the United States. The Federal Human Trafficking Report (2019), states that Missouri is ranked ninth in the country for active criminal human trafficking cases. This issue is particularly prevalent in our churches because churches serve vulnerable populations and predators may be drawn to churches. Religious academic literature about pastor advocacy for victims of ST is lacking, while popular news sources reference case after case where pastors are the predators. This study consisted of nine Christian pastors who currently served in a pastoral …

Transition From Clinician To Academician: A Heuristic Inquiry Of Role Change, Work-Role Conflict And Identity Development In Occupational Therapy, Theresa Rhett-Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Transitioning can be a daunting experience for occupational therapists shifting to an academic job as new faculty with new roles, responsibilities, and expectations. As newcomers to academia, occupational therapists can become overwhelmed by meeting the demands of the academic roles of teaching, scholarship, and service. Through a heuristic approach, I explored the lived experiences of occupational therapists who transitioned to academia from the clinical setting to better understand role change, work-role conflict, and academic identity development during the transition process. The person-environment-occupation-performance model provided a framework to understand the findings and give meaning to the OT faculty transition experience. The …

Characteristics Of Public School Principals: Analysis Of The National Teacher And Principal Survey, Jessica True, Misty Wilburn

Graduate Research Conference

Gender and racial diversity in the principalship, or the lack thereof, has been a topic for research for several years. While the concerns about general disparity are widely discussed, it is equally important to consider where underrepresented groups are typically hired, such as urban schools with high-poverty levels. Discrepancies in hiring have implications for promotion into superintendent and other educational leadership positions, as well as for overall financial compensation, where minority groups such as females and races other than White are forced to take lower-level jobs or jobs at the same level for less pay than their White male counterparts. …

The Reality Of Teaching English Virtually: Esl Teachers' Perspectives And Experiences During The Covid-19 National Pandemic, Natalia Guerrero

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This study examined the dilemma ESL teachers experienced as the educational system shifted from the usual modus operandi of in-person lessons to the uncharted virtual learning environment (VLE). ESL teachers, in one of the largest urban districts in Louisiana, accumulated additional roles and responsibilities that were unique to the teachers of the English learner (EL) population enrolled at their schools.

Data collected to answer the research questions were the product of single and focus group’s interviews with five ESL elementary and middle school teachers in Freedom District. State and district emergency response to COVID-19 guidelines, along with instructional artifacts, were …

Science Club, Danielle Gibson, Krista Andersen

Honors Program: Expanded Learning Clubs

Honors After School program for elementary age children to engage with scientific principles. Students performed hands-on experiments to explore various STEM fields. Each weekly lesson consisted of a different concept to be learned or explored by early elementary aged students.

Effective Classroom Management Strategies, Matthew Taffe

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

As educators, we often find ourselves in situations where students aren’t always following along with what we say and at times are being a distraction for the class. Having experienced this numerous times, I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to take a look at what strategies are out there and practice applying them to find what works best. The approach I took for this was to complete an autoethnography. An autoethnography is an approach to research and writing that seeks to describe and systemically analyze personal experience in order to understand cultural experience (Ellis, 2004; Holman Jones, 2005). …

Transforming Leadership Pathways For Humanities Professionals In Higher Education, Roze Hentschell, Catherine E. Thomas

Navigating Careers in Higher Education Series

Transforming Leadership Pathways for Humanities Professionals in Higher Education includes thirteen essays from a variety of contributors investigating how humanities professionals grapple with the opportunities and challenges of leadership positions. Written by insiders sharing their lived experience, this collection provides an authentic look at the multiple roles humanities specialists play, as well as offers strategies for professional growth, sustenance, and satisfaction. The collection also considers the relationship between disciplinary areas of study, academic training, and the valuable skill sets and habits of mind that serve higher education leaders.

While Transforming Leadership Pathways emphasizes that a leadership route in higher education …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of New Mexico Charter Leaders Through The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nadine T. Torres

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has impacted the educational landscape in unbelievable ways. The changes to the learning environment in schools required leaders to obtain and exercise different competencies. New Mexico charter leaders are leading in the new normal of public education. With the additional roles, requirements, and expectations brought on by the pandemic, leaders cannot return to their prior leadership practices. The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand and give voice to the lived experiences of NM charter leaders working through the COVID-19 pandemic. The narrative of the participants highlighted four major themes: …

Educational Accountability And Equity: Superintendent Perspectives, John Decman, Jennier Grace, Felix Simieou Iii, Queinnise Miller

School Leadership Review

Educational equity is understood as the recognition of a school system to ensure resources to safeguard that all students have equitable access, opportunity, and outcomes (Galloway & Ishimaru, 2015). Yet inequity persists in the American educational system. School accountability remains at the forefront of education policy to ensure equitable achievement between students from all backgrounds regardless of race, ethnicity, family income, linguistic background, and ability (Krejsler, 2018; Skrla, 2001). This article reflects a qualitative approach to understanding public school superintendent voices regarding experiences, feelings, and beliefs related to our ongoing era of accountability in a changing social environment.

This study …

#Teacherquittok: A Content Analysis Of How Current And Former Teachers Navigate Attrition On Tiktok, Forrest J. Kaiser

School Leadership Review

No abstract provided.

"The Road Less Traveled: Why Black Males Choose Alternative Routes That Lead To Education", Felix Simieou Iii, Queinnise Miller, Jennier Grace, John Decman

School Leadership Review

This study uses critical race theory and qualitative interviews to understand the perspectives of 10 Black males that have entered the field of education through non-traditional routes. It seeks to highlight the rationale for not choosing education as a first option, what eventually led them into the field, and finally how educational leaders might better recruit. As the field continues to evolve with demographics still heavily favoring women, decision makers in school districts, universities, and alternative certification programs need to understand the best methods to recruit and retain Black males in education. The findings of this research will benefit these …

University Presidential Update- April 2023, Academic Affairs

University Updates & Communications from the University President

This is an Otterbein University presidential update to the staff and faculty, informing them on changes to campus.

2023-04-12 Message From The President, Morehead State University. Office Of The President.

Faculty Senate Records

An update issued on April 12, 2023 by the President to the campus community discussing the Board of Regents meeting held on March 30th, along with information related to the appointment of interim Provost and faculty promotions, tenure, and sabaticals.

Cultivating Fluent And Meaningful Writing Through Empathy-Centered Texts In The Third Grade Classroom, Lori Qian

Student Research Symposium

In this qualitative case study, my professor and I examined how my class of third-grade students endeavored to construct meaning around empathy as they cultivated their fluency-centered writing skills. Through the use of empathy-based, culturally-responsive reading lessons, and knowing that reading and writing are intricately connected, the researchers draw upon specific book choices and a well-crafted discussion structure to encourage meaningful, fluent writing. By designing and instituting a simple yet purposeful reading response template, as well as implementing certain classroom practices, the researchers are able to observe the degree to which the text, associated discussion, and classroom practices have an …

Creating A Positive Sense Of Place: Feelings Of Safety And Autonomy In A Refugee Camp, Sandra Miles

Student Research Symposium

Having to flee your home and live in a refugee camp is a difficult situation that many people around the world experience. In order to provide support to refugees it is important to understand their experiences. Listening to the memories of past refugees can help us to better understand their experiences in refugee camps and the conditions and experiences that contributed to their sense of place after being forced to flee their homes. I analyzed interview data from 11 refugees that settled in Cache Valley after living in refugee camps in Ethiopia or Thailand. The semi-structured interviews are housed in …

A Delphi Study Of Possible, Probable, And Desirable Futures At 4-Year U.S. Higher Education Institutions By 2035, Mary Cutia-Pluff

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe educational changes at 4-year higher education institutions that are possible and probable by 2035 as perceived by a panel of experts. Additionally, the purpose was to determine the level of desirability of educational changes identified as probable by a panel of experts. Finally, the purpose was to describe actions necessary to promote the desirable educational changes by 2035 as perceived by the panel of experts.

Methodology: The Delphi method was used to survey 17 higher education experts from diverse disciplines. Four survey rounds gathered qualitative and quantitative data regarding …

Teacher Turnover During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Andrew Camp, Gema Zamarro, Josh B. Mcgee

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

Teachers' levels of stress and burnout have been high throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns about a potential increase in teacher turnover and future teacher shortages. We examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected teacher turnover in Arkansas from 2018-19 to 2022-23 using administrative data. We find no major changes in turnover entering the first two pandemic years, but a large increase of 5.3 percentage points (26%) entering the third year, with variation by teacher and student characteristics. We also find that increases in teacher turnover are related to instructional mode and that this turnover may partially be explained by the …

A Delphi Study Of Possibilities Of Learning By 2035: Identify And Describe The Educational Changes For High Schools In California That Are Possible And Probable By 2035 As Perceived By A Panel Of Experts, Guillermo Lopez

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this Delphi study was to identify and describe the educational changes for high schools in California that are possible and probable by 2035 as perceived by a panel of experts. In addition, the purpose was to determine the level of desirability of educational changes identified as probable by a panel of experts. Finally, the purpose was to describe the actions necessary to promote the desirable educational changes by 2035 as perceived by the expert panel.

Methodology: The Delphi method was used as a mixed methods approach to build consensus among experts. Fifteen experts from diverse secondary …

Scholarship With A Reach, Lori B. Doyle, Tanya M. Tarbutton, Kellie L. Albrecht

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

While the goal of providing a path to degree completion for master’s level participants is worthy, universities can consider ways for scholarship to have a far-reaching impact beyond the individual benefits to program completers. The field of education is situated in the social sciences and rationale for program development, when tied to a theoretical foundation, provides for theory-to-practice implications. Organizational change theory is an appropriate foundation for a discussion on master’s level culminating research projects designed with a goal of enacting change in classrooms, schools, districts, and even around the globe. One university’s approach will be highlighted and two culminating …

Faculty And Staff Experiences Of The Support Services Provided To Students With Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals Status At A Community College: A Phenomenological Investigation, Juhi Mehrotra Gor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand community college faculty and staff members’ experiences of providing support services to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The theory that guided this study was Rendon’s validation theory - as students are validated and made to feel valuable, they will foster personal and social development. This study explored three of the six elements of validation theory through the following research questions: 1. In what ways are faculty and staff at the institution acting as validation agents for DACA students? 2. What initiatives or steps do validating agents take to engage …

Effects Of Student Leadership Style On Their Academic Performance, Ignatius Luke Chan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Leadership is a topic that is often researched. Most research surrounds the management's leadership and how it affects the environment and people around them in an academic institution or the instructional leadership of instructors and how it affects students. There is little to no research done on students' leadership styles and how these various leadership styles affect their academic performance. The importance of this study surrounds the need to understand students to better cater to them. By understanding students' leadership styles and their effects on academic performance, instructors can better cater to the needs of these students to prepare them …

A Phenomenological Study Of Middle School Teachers’ Experiences Of Implementing Social Promotion Policies In A Public School District, Kelley L. Duffy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe middle school teachers’ experiences of implementing social promotion policies at a public school district in the southern United States. The study advanced understanding about teachers’ perceptions implementing social promotion policies and how those perceptions impacted their professional behaviors and identity. Weick’s sensemaking theory guided this study as it explains how individuals define and give meaning to their reality when ambiguities and uncertainties exist. The study was designed to explore the central research question, what are middle school teachers’ shared experiences with social promotion policies at a public school district in …

Higher Education During Crisis: A Phenomenological Study Of Educator Perceptions On Their Transition To Online Education During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Carrie Smith Curtis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to describe the experience of higher education faculty during the crisis-response transition to online learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. By gaining a perspective of the experiences of faculty during this crisis experienced during the 2020-2021 academic year, valuable insight can be gained for higher education institutions on how to better prepare for future crises. Phenomenology allows the participant’s perspectives to be treated as complete truth and analyzed from multiple vantage points through horizontalization. This study uses Transition Theory to draw conclusions about the adaptability of faculty without prior experience …

Predicting The Relationship Between Student, Faculty, And Institutional Diversity With Graduation Rates In Higher Education, Hridya C. Mondal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The importance and significance of diversifying higher education are undeniable. Research has examined that diversifying higher education may produce more graduates, predominantly minority students. However, more literature is needed on how diversifying faculty and students relate to and impacts overall undergraduate graduation rates in higher education in the United States. This study aimed to gauge the predictive relationships between student diversity, faculty diversity, institutional locale, enrollment size and admissions selectivity and construct a relationship with graduation rates. The study examined a random sample of 291 Title IV, four-year postsecondary institutions, and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) employed for the …

Lessons Learned In Social-Emotional Development After A Pandemic: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Lyndsey Eksili

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lessons learned by educational leaders and teachers in the social emotional development of K-12 students after the COVID-19 pandemic. Twelve K-12 leaders and teachers in varying in age and demographics participated in interviews, a focus group, and artifact collection to explore the lived experiences and lessons learned in social-emotional learning and development after the pandemic. Themes were then developed based on those experiences using the qualitative transcendental methods of research and data analysis. The themes discovered through research were student struggles, teacher/staff struggles, and school climate. The subthemes …

Reviving The Roots: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Black Women In Agriculture And The Influence Of Post-Secondary Education, Alvianna Woodard-Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of twenty Black women in the southern United States and the influence of post-secondary education on agricultural science. Two theories guided this study, Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Crenshaw’s intersectionality theory. When considering the five levels of Maslow's hierarchy, coupled with Black women's marginality as identified by the intersectionality theory, the research helped better define the relationship between Black women in agriculture and the referenced theories. Criterion sampling was used to identify ten experienced Black female producers and ten agriculture students to determine the trend. …

A Causal-Comparative Study Of Student And Faculty Perceptions Of Academic Misconduct In Advanced Practice Nursing Education, Jennifer Marie Oakes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to identify whether there is a difference between student and faculty perceptions of academic misconduct in APRN education. The findings of this study may aid in the strategic management of academic policies and enforcements. The study took place at a single private university in Texas which houses six graduate-level APRN programs. The sample size consisted of 92 students and 42 faculty. The Exams and Assignments Scale (EAS) was used as an instrument for both groups and anonymous data was collected using an online survey platform. Statistical analysis took place using an independent …

The Impact Of Stressors On Undergraduate College Students With Anxiety Disorders: A Phenomenological Study, Whitney Shea Dickerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the essence of the shared lived experiences of undergraduate college students with anxiety disorders at two universities in the Southeastern United States. One institution is a mid-sized, public, nonsectarian university; the other is a small, private, faith-based liberal arts college. The theory guiding this study is Ellis’s cognitive theory, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), which posits that irrational core beliefs create intense negative emotions that cause suffering. The central research question is intended to elicit rich data regarding the shared lived experiences of the study participants. The four …

Examining The Relationship Between School Climate And Teacher Self-Efficacy In Oregon, Vincent T. Domingo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study is to determine if school climate (SC) factors can accurately predict teachers' self-efficacy (TSE) in Oregon public schools. Using social cognitive theory and ecological systems theory as theoretical frameworks for this study, the importance of this research includes, adding Oregon data to the body of knowledge, narrowing the research gap, and a better understanding of SC and TSE that may be applied to improving a school’s climate, school planning, increasing TSE, and retaining teachers. The sample for this study were Oregon public school teachers, 69 of which participated in the study. Two …

A Phenomenological Study Of Pastors Leaving Employment Due To Experienced Poor Person-Organization Fit, Stephen T. Buys

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe pastors’ experiences who have served full-time in a lead/senior pastor role in evangelical churches after having lost or left their employment as a result of experiencing poor person-organization fit. For this study, pastoral staff turnover was defined as the employment of full-time pastoral staff employed for at least one year who have resulted in voluntary or involuntary resignation from their place of employment because of value incongruence. In this phenomenology, the church is viewed as an educational institution, including similarities between pastoral roles and educator and administrator roles. As …