Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

The Role Of Social Media In Higher Education For Recruitment And Retention And The Implications For Nursing Programs, Cari Granier, Jamie Gravois

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Abstract:

Purpose: This review article assesses findings related to social media use in regards to student recruitment and retention for higher education institutions (HEIs) including schools of nursing. This review outlines the need for building a social media presence, creating engaging content for target audiences, available platforms, and posting times and frequency. Methods: A literature review was conducted with keywords including the following terms in combination with “social media and” higher education marketing, higher education recruitment, university marketing, university recruitment, college marketing, and college recruitment. Results: College applicants rely on social media when making decisions about …

Becoming A Beloved Community: A Restorative Reckoning For A Radical Conversion To Transform Discourse In Higher Education, Latasha Tomay Varlack-Butler

Dissertations

This dissertation critically examines the misappropriation of Restorative Justice Discourse (RJD) within three predominantly white institutions (PWIs), analyzing 59 institutional documents through Critical Discourse Analysis, Relational Critical Discourse Analysis, and Rhetorical Criticism (Fairclough, 1995; Vaandering, 2021; van Dijk, 2008). Tribal Colleges and Universities and South African institutions have emerged as exemplars of authentic RJD, countering co-optation within PWIs. The findings demonstrate that RJD as applied in PWIs is framed in ways that attenuate its transformative potential, perpetuating color-evasiveness (Bonilla-Silva, 2017) and obscuring the intersectional experiences of Black, Indigenous, and disabled communities (Crenshaw, 1991; Million, 2009).

Grounded in decolonial praxis (Smith, …

Restricted Access: Structural Gatekeeping And The Black Student Experience In Accounting Education, Richard W. Hurt Iii

Dissertations

This study explores the experiences of Black accountants as they reflect on their memories of the pipeline to their profession and the affective dimensions of their educational experiences as accounting majors in college. Grounding into Unapologetic Black Inquiry (UBI), a framework rooted in critical race theory, this investigation integrates narrative inquiry as a tool to capture rich descriptions from participant interviews and written reflections. Furthermore, this descriptive qualitative study explores how the structures and values of accounting education are rooted in a form of professionalism that prioritizes technical proficiencies over cultural knowledge, thus ignoring community forms of assets related to …

Understanding And Engaging In Equity Work: A Phenomenological Action Research Study Of Community College Esol Instructors, Emily E. Packer

Dissertations

Community colleges (CCs) are regarded as accessible and affordable pathways to higher education and financial mobility, offering significant potential to promote educational equity (Fink et al., 2023). These institutions enroll the largest number of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students in adult education; however, CC ESOL students face lower rates of degree completion and transfer compared to their non-ESOL peers (David & Kanno, 2021; Fink et al., 2023; Raufman et al., 2019). While research has examined factors contributing to low CC ESOL student persistence and interventions to improve overall CC student outcomes, research on specific efforts to support …

Leading Through Crisis: San Diego County Schools' Response To The Social Emotional Needs Of All Students, Johana Bielma

Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented school closures, forcing administrators to take decisive action to radically change the educational system. The imperative to switch to remote learning transformed the dynamics of teaching and learning, leading to both immediate and long-term academic and social emotional consequences for all stakeholders. When schools reopened, administrators faced the challenge of reintegrating students into in-person learning while addressing the pandemic’s lasting effects on academics, mental health, and school safety. While academic regression was evident, the extent of students’ emotional struggles was less anticipated. Many students exhibited increased irritability and mental health issues such as depression …

Quest For Purpose In Education: An Autoethnographic Study Of A Chinese Student’S Cross- Cultural Journey Through Logotherapy And Culturally Relevant Leadership, Bingsheng Chen

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

This autoethnography examines a Chinese student's search for meaning while transitioning between Chinese and U.S. academic systems, shaped by the interplay of cultural values, societal pressures, and personal agency. Guided by Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and Culturally Relevant Leadership (CRL), the study uses reflexive narrative analysis to explore how this personal quest for purpose intersected with institutional structures and cultural contexts (e.g., St. John's College, University of New Mexico). Illuminating profound challenges—including cultural shock, systemic inequities, and the emotional toll of adaptation—the research reveals a transformative journey of navigating dissonance, reframing adversity, embracing a dual cultural identity, and ultimately finding meaning …

How We Show Up Matters: Transformative Adult Social Emotional Learning To Build Equity-Centered Schools, Samantha L. Rummage-Massey

Dissertations

Transformative Social Emotional Learning (tSEL) expands traditional SEL by integrating equity and social justice to cultivate student development and as a framework for educator growth and systemic change in education (Jagers et al., 2019). Unlike traditional SEL, which primarily targets students, tSEL emphasizes educators’ role in disrupting inequitable practices, making it a powerful tool for reimagining schools as justice-oriented spaces. This qualitative case study explores how tSEL professional development influences educators’ sense of identity, agency, and belonging, along with their reflections on systemic inequities and application of Critical Pedagogy (Freire, 1970) in personal and professional contexts. Data collection included semi-structured …

Enhancing Digital Accessibility For Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing Learners- Innovative Strategies For Inclusive Education, Felicia Rutledge Ph.D.

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This research-to-practice brief explores innovative strategies to enhance digital accessibility for Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH) learners, focusing on practical applications for inclusive K-12 education. Despite advances in digital learning, D/HH learners face unique barriers due to auditory-centered designs. Accessibility legislation such as the ADA, Section 504, and IDEA mandate educational inclusion for these learners. Key strategies include the integration of assistive technologies (e.g., captioning, ASL video interpretation), the application of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 3.0 guidelines, and adherence to WCAG 2.1 principles for accessible content design. The research-to-practice brief provides actionable insights for educators, administrators, and …

Partnering For Youth Empowerment: Establishing Boys And Girls Clubs In Tribal Communities, Johnny Abeyta Jr.

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

This study examined why Boys and Girls Clubs are not available in every tribal community and explored how culturally grounded youth programs support leadership, identity, and sovereignty. Using Tribal Critical Race Theory, Narrative Inquiry, and Indigenous Research Methods, the study centered the voices of Pueblo leaders, educators, policymakers, and alumni. Interviews identified barriers related to funding, transportation, facilities, and policy alignment. Participants described culture, mentorship, and safe spaces as essential for youth belonging and empowerment. The study introduced the Relational Sovereignty Model, which explains how cultural teachings, shared learning, resilience, and community care work together to support Indigenous youth. The …

Administrators’ And Teachers’ Perceived Importance Of The Holistic Framework For Professional Development Elements: Survey Research, Adrianna Cate

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study researched the six elements of the Holistic Framework for Professional Development (HFPD) to understand administrators’ and teachers’ perceived importance and how demographic variables impacted those perceptions. This was done to contribute to the current gap in the literature regarding how to design and carry out effective professional development. The quantitative survey research utilized exponential, non-discriminative snowball sampling to recruit participants. Fifteen administrators, 64 teachers, and six participants working in ‘other’ roles in their school participated. These participants were citizens of fifteen different countries and worked across eleven countries worldwide. Even given this diverse sample, the results of this …

A Correlational Study Of The Relationships Between The Big Five Aspects Of Personality And Career Interest: Practical Implications For Teachers In Guidance Counseling Roles, Mary J. Haberman

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Classroom teachers are often required to teach advisory courses that include career counseling and social emotional learning components. The author used a combination of personality and career assessments to guide students into careers that were a good fit, not only for their interests but their temperaments as well. This holistic approach to advising allowed the author to address a wide variety of personal issues (e.g., unmet needs) that students were having and help them to discover their own motivations for approaching these issues. While the study is focused on collecting information from working adults, the results of this study could …

From Insights To Action: Implications And A Professional Development Framework For Early College High School Teachers, Angelica Sanchez, Kenyetta Martin, Kelly Brown

School Leadership Review

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of Early College High School (ECHS) adjunct instructors teaching dual enrollment college courses in a southern region school district. Through interviews with ten ECHS adjunct instructors, the study examined the factors contributing to their success, their professional development needs, and the challenges they faced in teaching dual enrollment courses. Findings of the study were that ECHS adjunct instructors succeed when they provide strong student support, maintain open communication, demonstrate flexibility, and actively engage students. The study highlighted the need for comprehensive training in learning management systems, curriculum design, and …

Policy Analysis Of Assessments To Award Seals Of Biliteracy In Spanish In The United States, Lisa J. Harmon-Martínez

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

The Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) honors high school graduates demonstrating proficiency in two or more languages, yet its policies often perpetuate inequities. Focusing on New Mexico and Spanish language assessments, I explored how the SoBL's recognition of bilingualism intersects with biases against Spanish speakers. While the SoBL aims to celebrate bilingualism, disparities arise from state-to-state variations in assessment requirements, particularly affecting Spanish-speaking students and those receiving English Language Development services. Many states rely on standardized exams that inadequately capture students’ linguistic abilities, exacerbating inequalities. Using an Open Systems policy framework and Translanguaging theory, which values students’ full linguistic repertoires, I …

Navigating The Moral Landscape: Courage, Cowardice, And The Educator's Call To Action, Scott H. Sorvaag

Essays in Education

Contemporary educators face an increasingly complex and challenging landscape. This essay explores the vital role of courage and the influence of cowardice in shaping educators' moral leadership and professional practice. By integrating insights from human development reports, leadership theory, and educational philosophy, this essay argues that understanding the internal continuum between courage and cowardice is crucial for educators seeking to create transformative learning environments. The essay provides actionable strategies for fostering courage in daily practice and nurturing partnerships between schools, parents, and communities.

Perceptions Of Bullying In A Public Charter School, Ana I. Perea

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

ABSTRACT

Bullying is perceived in different ways according to the experience or training of individuals. In my practice, adults often misidentify disputes or incidents as bullying due to a lack of evidence or varying perceptions. This problem must be a theme of reflection for all stakeholders in traditional or charter schools. My study aimed to understand how teachers and parents perceive bullying in terms of social implications, cultural factors, and professional training. In my research, I provided insight into how the stakeholders in a public charter school perceive this phenomenon. The participants highlighted their perceptions and topics of communication, exclusion, …

Navigating Structural Behaviors To Education: A Qualitative Analysis Of Attendance, Behavior, And Academic Outcomes Among African American Scholars In Grades K-5, Tony E. Howard

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

This qualitative study explores the structural behaviors within public K-5 education that affect African American students' attendance, behavior, and academic outcomes. With a persistent achievement gap disproportionately affecting African American learners, the research investigates how systemic inequities and institutional practices hinder equitable access to quality education. Using a phenomenological approach, the study draws on the lived experiences of educators, administrators, and support staff across several school districts to understand the nuanced challenges African American students face.

Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and document analysis, yielding rich insights into how disciplinary policies, culturally unresponsive teaching practices, and inadequate support services contribute …

Science Of Reading Professional Development: The Perceptions Of Secondary Teachers In Arkansas, Teresa R. Moka

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

ABSTRACT SCIENCE OF READING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE PERCEPTIONS OF SECONDARY TEACHERS IN ARKANSAS

Teresa R. Moka

The study addresses the critical issue of low literacy proficiency among secondary students in Arkansas, where National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data reveals declining reading scores. Despite scientific consensus on reading instruction, many teachers lack professional development in evidence-based reading strategies, particularly at the secondary level. Although Arkansas secondary teachers have received initial Science of Reading (SoR) professional development from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the perceptions of secondary teachers regarding SoR professional development is not well documented. The purpose …

The Role And Influence Of Faculty As Predictors For Retention And Satisfaction Among Generation Z, Katelyn Romsa, Stephani Jarecke, Jessie H. Hendricks, Bryan Romsa

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this introduction here.

While previous research has established that faculty and their interactions with students have had the greatest impact on student retention and satisfaction for centuries, limited studies have been done to understand how faculty are influencing Generation Z, our newest generation of students in higher education. This study examined how the quantity of faculty interactions is impacting student retention and satisfaction among 342 Generation Z first-year college students at a public land-grant institution in the Midwest using the National Survey of Student Engagement instrument. In a Mann-Whitney U test, significant difference was …

Call For Manuscripts, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

Call For Manuscripts, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

Leading Factors Positively Impacting Teacher Job Satisfaction, Abby M. Smith Ms.

Graduate Teacher Education

Abstract

This paper examined the issue of declining teacher job satisfaction and its role in the growing national teacher shortage. The purpose was to identify the leading factors that positively influenced teacher job satisfaction and to explore how these elements supported retention, enhanced school performance, and improved student learning. This literature review combined 15 peer-reviewed studies from the past 17 years that included diverse international contexts with participants who varied by age, experience, and culture. The sources employed qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and secondary data analyses to study intrinsic and extrinsic motivators on teacher satisfaction, burnout, and attrition. The findings indicated …

From The Editors, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

JSESD remains a venue for the dissemination of research and practice related to the education of students with disabilities in the science classroom and laboratory since 1998. Volumes #1 through 11 were published in a print format. Starting with Volume #12, the journal has been published online and Open Access. Having JSESD in the Open Access format maximizes access for readers and authors and allows the journal to remain economically sustainable.

Copyright, Michele J. Koomen, Thomastine Sarchet-Maher, Jessica Williams

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of Character And Leadership Development In High School Athletes, Jonathan M. Heeren

Doctorate in Education

The impact of sports on American society cannot be understated. High school athletics is considered a unique representation of the school and, often, the community. High school sports have long been used to serve several purposes. In addition to promoting physical health and competitive spirit, one purpose of sports is to develop the overall character of the athletes who participate, including leadership. With over 8.5 million students (National Federation of High Schools [NFHS], 2023) participating annually, there exists opportunities within an ideal environment in which to develop leadership. Coaches are tasked not only with teaching the fundamentals of their particular …

Leading Through Change: Building Resilient And Adaptive School Teams, Ashlee Boothe

The Journal of Advancing Education Practice

This reflective essay examines the vital role of resilience, adaptability, and vision for school leaders experiencing change during unstable times. By fostering these qualities during stable periods, school leaders can effectively prepare for upcoming challenges, such as budget constraints, irate parents, and unexpected crises. Using the example of school closures during COVID-19, the reflection highlights how resilient leadership and a clear vision enable school leaders to make informed, strategic decisions. Fostering resilience, providing staff autonomy, and articulating a shared vision are key to ensuring schools can handle challenges and achieve meaningful change. This paper argues that now is the time …

Leveraging Ownership To Prosper From Failure, Rodney G. Thomas

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the phenomenon of leveraging ownership to prosper from a failure experience through the lenses of principals who have experienced a situation where they failed. Research questions included the perception of the determining aspects, how ownership manifested as a coping method, the belief in leveraging ownership to improve outcomes, and what principals can learn about themselves when finding success after failing. Principals matching the criteria of working in Indiana and Michigan and having a failure experience were chosen for this research study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the principals …

Challenges Of The Novice Elementary Principal: A Framework For Elementary Principal Onboarding, Casey Stansifer

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, multisite phenomenological study has two main foci. First, the study seeks to understand the unanticipated pain points each participant felt in the first two years of his or her principalship. The study inquires not into what the novice principals thought would hurt prior to their first two years on the job, but rather what they could not see coming even after having spent a considerable amount of time focusing on the principalship in their principal preparation programs. Second, the study seeks to understand what supports would be helpful to the novice principal in addressing these …

Exploring The Efficacy Of The Comprehensive Institutional Model (Cim) In A Post-Covid-19 Hyflex Higher Education Environment: An Instrumental Case, Pamela Mccray

Theses & Dissertations

This instrumental case study examined the efficacy of the comprehensive institutional model, a pre-existing conceptual framework addressing the challenges of HyFlex teaching and learning in the post-COVID-19 environment at one private university in South Texas. The model was constructed using longitudinal data from a two-year pilot study (2021-2023) and focused on improving teaching effectiveness, investing in instructional technology and infrastructure, supporting graduate students’ academic needs, and executing institutional sustainability actions across three stakeholder groups: administrators, faculty, and graduate students. The study also addressed key gaps in the literature, including the lack of tested HyFlex models in real-world settings. A qualitative, …

The Digital Incorporated Worker Narrative: A Mixed Methods Study Of Digital Capital, Work Selection, And Outcomes In The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Tracie King

Dissertations

Digital technology permeates society and industry, making digital-ready workers necessary for firms of all sizes as a firm seeks competitiveness in the market (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; de Ruyter et al., 2018; Gorski et al., 2022; Karaboğa, 2023; Kim et al., 2017; Qureshi Zia, 2019). Firms seeking digital-ready workers face a complex digital divide that creates a worker shortage (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; Karaboğa, 2023; Qureshi Zia, 2019). This study aims to describe workers' work selection, work experience, and outcomes in a complex digital society.

Most digital divide research focuses on the individuals excluded from owning, accessing, and having skills …

Elevating Educators: The Role Of Sponsorship In Fostering Teacher Engagement, Recognition, And Retention, Justin Mitchell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Teacher burnout and attrition have become pressing concerns in education, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The demands on educators have increased, yet systemic supports have often remained stagnant, leading to disengagement and decreased participation in extracurricular activities. This study examined the role of teacher sponsorship of extracurricular activities in fostering teacher engagement, recognition, and retention within a rural Title I middle school. Using an improvement science framework, this research explored how teachers’ involvement in extracurricular activities impacts their connection to the school community and whether targeted interventions such as professional learning communities and recognition initiatives can enhance teacher participation and …