Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Introducing The Loyola Way: An Ignatian Pedagogy Framework Reinvigorated By Anti-Oppressive And Student-Centered Approaches, Bridget M. Colacchio, Jessica Mansbach, Justin D. Wright, Harrison Seeling, Sydnee O'Donnell

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

Our center for teaching and learning at a mid-sized, private, Catholic, Midwest university responded to recent challenges and opportunities presented by current sociopolitical factors (such as ongoing racial injustice, global conflict, the climate crisis, and the aftermath of a global health pandemic) by rethinking our approach to teaching and learning. To better meet the needs of faculty and students in today’s world, we arrived at an integrated pedagogical approach to amplify interpersonal and societal humanization and justice. In this paper, we introduce this new framework for teaching and learning called The Loyola Way, an innovative combination of three pedagogical …

A Student-Centered Coaching Program In Jesuit & Mercy Traditions, Sara Gifford, Karen Mihelich, Arthur Ko

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

A student-centered coaching program grounded in Jesuit and Mercy traditions, called “Coaching for Care,” was implemented at a midwestern Jesuit and Mercy institution. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the development of future nurse educators’ pedagogy, foster holistic licensure examination preparation among pre-licensure nursing students, and examine students’ perceptions towards the program’s guiding Jesuit and Mercy values. Pre-licensure students who received coaching felt that their uniqueness/holism, accountability, and reflection were important for their licensure exam preparation at significantly higher rates than pre-licensure students who did not receive coaching. Themes identified from the doctoral student coaches included instilling confidence …

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine For The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 58 Summer 2025), Elizabeth Joyce Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

Magazine created by and about the WKU Center for Gifted Studies.

Addressing Instructional Capacity For English Learners Through Professional Development, Emily Howell, Lindsey W. Rowe, Mihaela Gazioglu, Nicole Ferguson-Sams, Victoria Pennington

Publications

Purpose – The purpose of this study was addressing the goal of the intervention to increase instructional capacity in a high-need district for English Learners (ELs).

Design/methodology/approach – This design-based research examined a cohort of K–12 general education classroom teachers and the impact of professional development (PD). The intervention had three essential elements: provide teachers with evidence-based practices of EL instruction in PD, assess self-efficacy for both EL students and teachers, and develop resources for EL caregivers based upon evidence-based practice and teacher feedback. This study reports the results focusing on the following research question: How does the intervention impact …

Evaluating The Predictive Value Of Basc-3 Anxiety Scale And Working Memory Index Scores For Clinically Significant Test Anxiety: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Non-Classifiable Cases, Des'tiana S. Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation will explore how test anxiety (TA) affects working memory (WM) and whether certain factors can help predict higher levels of test anxiety. Anxiety has been defined as a common experience that can show up in various forms—like general worry, social fears, panic attacks, and specific phobias (APA, 2022). It was described as often triggering our natural “fight-or-flight” response, which can impact our ability to focus, think clearly, and remember things. For students, test anxiety has been especially challenging, affecting how they perform in high-stakes academic settings. Using data from a university based psychological assessment center, this study will …

Faculty Perceptions Of Diversity And Its Impact On Postsecondary Student Success: A Case Study In A Business School, Andrea Camargo, Harika Rao

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This case study investigates the way in faculty perceives the function of diversity in molding student success and institutional inclusiveness under a business school’s context. Conducting a mixed-methods survey of faculty, the study examines the question, does diverse faculty representation influence student retention, classroom engagement, and academic performance? Findings reveal robust agreement amongst faculty that diversity makes learning environments more inclusive, promotes student well-being and creates supportive mentor relationships with desirable influence to student persistence and success. The qualitative responses show the implication of culturally responsive teaching practices and inclusive faculty–student relationships, especially to underrepresented students. Although this assumes an …

Evaluating The Predictive Value Of Basc-3 Anxiety Scale And Working Memory Index Scores For Clinically Significant Test Anxiety: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Non-Classifiable Cases, Des'tiana S. Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation will explore how test anxiety (TA) affects working memory (WM) and whether certain factors can help predict higher levels of test anxiety. Anxiety has been defined as a common experience that can show up in various forms—like general worry, social fears, panic attacks, and specific phobias (APA, 2022). It was described as often triggering our natural “fight-or-flight” response, which can impact our ability to focus, think clearly, and remember things. For students, test anxiety has been especially challenging, affecting how they perform in high-stakes academic settings. Using data from a university based psychological assessment center, this study will …

Perceptions Of An English Language Learner Program In A Florida Middle School, Kristifer M. Harden

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

A growing number of English Language Learners (ELLs) exists within the United States. The purpose of this study was to explore administrators' and teachers' perceptions of a school district’s ELL program and determine how those perceptions align with the ELL supports used in the classrooms of a small school district in Florida. The study intended to answer the question: How do the perceptions of an ELL program held by the administrators and teachers responsible for the implementation of the ELL program differ from one another and from the ELL supports being provided in classrooms? This qualitative case study was developed …

Navigating Through Difficult Roads And Terrains: Novice Teachers’ Challenges In Teaching In Remote Mountainous Settings In The Philippines, Albert C. Albina, Sarah Jean A. Salmorin, Dannyla N. Cainos, Rhea Mae C. Montano

The Rural Educator

In rural areas, the adaptation of urban-originating elementary teachers to remote mountainous school locations poses substantial challenges and necessitates innovative strategies. This study primarily explored the lived experiences of newly hired elementary teachers residing in urban areas but assigned to remote mountainous locations, specifically focusing on their adaptation processes, the challenges they encountered, and support mechanisms that influenced their teaching roles. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach and reflexive thematic analysis, this study involved in-depth interviews with nine newly hired urban-originating elementary teachers who were assigned to teach in rural schools in the Municipality of Santa Catalina, Basay, and Bayawan City, …

Baa Nihiłdah)Zh) - Chronicles Of Diné College Graduates In Pursuit Of Educational Attainment, Kerenthia J. Swan

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

This study investigated the educational, cultural, familial, and tribal factors that influenced the academic success of four Diné (Navajo) students who earned a college degree from the University of New Mexico. Utilizing the Diné Educational Philosophy Paradigm and Indigenous methodology grounded in Diné values and cultural perspectives, this study centered the voices and lived experiences of Diné graduates to gain insight into the supports and obstacles encountered throughout their higher educational journey. The findings highlight the crucial role of family encouragement, traditional teachings, cultural values centered on collective responsibility, and the availability of culturally supportive academic resources. A recurring theme …

Exploring Teachers' Perceptions And Experiences In Adopting And Implementing High- Quality Instructional Materials At A Public Charter School In A Mid-Atlantic State, Marietta Maloy Williams

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

This action research dissertation examines the perceptions and experiences of public charter school teachers in a Mid-Atlantic state regarding the adoption and implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Using a mixed-methods approach, the study investigated the impact of HQIM on teaching practices and student outcomes. A survey, followed by focus groups, gathered both quantitative and qualitative data from a targeted population of K–8 teachers. Data analysis included thematic coding of focus group discussions. Findings reveal significant challenges in HQIM implementation, highlighting the need for enhanced professional development and ongoing instructional support. The study concludes with implications for practice and recommendations …

Methods For Meaningful Connection: Supporting Teacher-Child Relationships In Early Care And Education, Sheila Smith, Maribel Granja, Cristina Medellin, Mark Nagasawa

Straus Institute for Thriving Children & Families

This report discusses a combined professional development/exploratory research project focused on how to support relationships between early childhood educators and children. The project piloted the Teacher Reflection Tool (TRT), a very brief reflection tool, paired with a community of practice approach with 19 early childhood educators across 10 classrooms. Among the lessons learned were that the participants:

• Viewed positive relationships with children as family-like and individualized
• Observed that their relationships with parents influenced relationships with children
• Found that the TRT helped them to notice and reflect on their interactions with children in new ways

Among the recommendations that emerged were: …

Path-Goal Leadership Theory: An Examination Of Teacher Leadership Behavior And Teacher Motivational Influence Of Vocational Education Students, Genna B. Boyd

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative study was to examine the relationship betweenteacher leadership behaviors and teacher influences on academic motivation amongst students currently enrolled in vocational education and training (VET) programs in the State of Florida. Grounded in Robert House’s Path-Goal Leadership Theory, the study investigated how specific leadership behaviors impact student motivation within VET settings. While research on leadership and student motivation is extensive in general education, limited empirical attention has been given to how these variables interact in the context of VET. Utilizing a quantitative survey design distributed online, data was collected from students across multiple VET …

Causes And Effects Of Science Tutor Attrition At The Colleges Of Education In The Northern Zone Of Ghana: A Qualitative Study, Collins D. Amadu, Rose Dognia, Solomon Boachie, Taarique-Ahmad Yahaya

Journal of Global Education and Research

The study investigated the causes and effects of science tutor attrition in the colleges of education in the Northern Zone of Ghana. Three science and mathematics colleges were used for the study. The study adopted a qualitative approach with 9 participants who volunteered to take part. The interview guide was the sole instrument for data collection. The interviews were conducted through face-to-face and phone calls. The recorded conversations were transcribed and categorized into themes. The study found that the science tutor attrition rate was caused by several factors. These factors could be grouped into unmet expectations of the tutors and …

Teachers' Feedback And Students' Emotional Wellbeing In Writing Courses, Amar Bahadur Sherma

Journal of English Learner Education

While feedback is a corrective business in every sphere of human life, most students do not have a positive perception of teachers’ feedback. Previous studies have emphasized the relationship between students’ writing achievements and the effectiveness of teachers’ feedback. However, no substantial research on how teachers’ feedback affects students’ emotional well-being has been undertaken. This article examines the relationship between students’ understanding of their teachers’ feedback on their writing assignments and emotional wellbeing. Data was collected from (N = 63) Nepali undergraduate students through Google Forms. The Forms consisted of structured and unstructured questions. According to the data, a mismatch …

Enhancing Educational Outcomes For English Learners: The Role Of Culturally Responsive Teaching And Professional Development In Texas, Elisa Garcia, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

The increasing population of English learners (ELs) in Texas public schools requires a focused approach to their education. This article explores the challenges faced by ELs, including the risk of misplacement in educational programs and the need for culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. Drawing on recent research, the article highlights the importance of professional development (PD) tailored to the unique needs of ELs. Effective PD programs should prioritize cultural and linguistic awareness, collaborative learning opportunities, and strategies for differentiated instruction. The article also discusses the significance of engaging parents and the community in supporting ELs. By implementing these recommendations, …

Everything Is Bigger In Texas: English Learners And The Difficulty Within Assessment, Identification, And Program Development, Gloria A. Avila, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

This report explores the critical components of effective program placement for English learners, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment and identification processes to ensure appropriate placement. It highlights the rapid growth of the EL population, particularly in the state of Texas, and underscores the importance of developing tailored educational programs that meet the unique needs of English learners. By examining current practices and identifying key areas for improvement, this paper aims to enhance the academic and linguistic outcomes for English learners, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

The Science Of Reading, Writing, And Dual And English Language Learners, Vickie Johnston, Nika Verna

Journal of English Learner Education

This paper presents an evidence-based approach to meeting the needs of dual language and English Language Learners (ELL) that includes leveraging the skills and knowledge of the home language, oral language instruction, and the utilization of both effective writing instruction and multicultural children’s literature. This evidence-based approach includes insights gleaned from the science of reading (SOR) and research on writing development with ELLs and instruction needed to help their written communication skills. Practical classroom applications for using multicultural children’s literature include integrating the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to ensure the literature chosen is necessary for some and beneficial …

Transforming K-12 Classrooms: Ten Essential Strategies For Cultural Responsiveness, Sandra Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Regina Reber

Journal of English Learner Education

Across the United States, in K-12 classrooms, diverse student populations continue to increase, challenging educators to meet student cultural, linguistic, and academic needs. The study examined the best practices related to culturally responsive teaching (CRT) strategies to better meet all students' needs. A qualitative approach was used to collect data from licensed K-12 educators in New Mexico and Colorado. The findings revealed three essential themes: culturally responsive pedagogy, the positive impact of CRT, and the creation of physical spaces to support inclusivity. The findings revealed the significance of building strong relational capacity, encouraging collaboration, supporting multilingualism, and creating effective physical …

Transforming Future Classrooms: Exploring Mainstream Candidates’ Self-Efficacy, Amanda Nelms

Journal of English Learner Education

The nationwide shortage of teachers is having a profound impact on schools across the country. In addition, many teacher candidates are entering the profession without adequate preparation to effectively work with MLs, potentially exacerbating challenges faced by this student population. One innovative approach to teacher preparation is the implementation of Grow Your Own (GYO) programs. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on GYO programs by focusing on the self-efficacy of secondary mainstream teacher candidates in teaching MLs. This mixed-methods study collected data throughout a course centered on research-based instructional practices for MLs. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test …

Why The “Whole Language Approach” To Reading Fails Ell Students & Instructional Strategies To Employ Instead, Caitlyn E. Petrus

Journal of English Learner Education

The research presented in this article demonstrates a qualitative view of the science of reading for phonemic awareness instruction, phonics instruction, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension strategies for English Language Learners (ELLs) in PK-12 schools. The research builds upon esteemed writers Dr. Sharon Vaughn and Dr. Sylvia Linan-Thompson’s work in their book Research-Based Methods of Reading Instruction for Learners, Grades K-4 and other reading experts such as Dr. Wiley Blevins and Dr. Lisa Moats to apply to the growing population for ELLs in PK-12 schools and how to shift from a “whole language classroom” to a classroom built on the …

Navigating Identity Tensions And Emotional Struggles: Indonesian Pre-Service Teachers In The Teaching Practicum, Afrianto Daud, Minh Hue Nguyen, Raqib Chowdhury

The Qualitative Report

Despite the critical role of teaching practicums in teacher education, little is known about how pre-service teachers navigate emotional tensions in Indonesia. In this study, we aim to explore the nature of tensions and emotional struggles pre-service teachers face and their coping mechanisms. Seven pre-service teachers from the English Education department at an Indonesian public university were purposefully selected. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews before the practicum and a focused group discussion after the program. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to capture rich, in-depth accounts of participants’ experiences, while thematic analysis provided a structured approach to …

Artificial Intelligence In Higher Education: A Case Study Of Faculty Teaching Methodologies At A Private University, Ellen Ramsey, George Antoniou, Matteo Peroni, Brent Muckridge, Raouf Ghattas, Philip L. Fazio, Wendy Wallberg, Saidi Porta, Gary Solomon, Mary Smith, Kristen Migliano, Karima Lanfranco, Lianfen Qian, David G. Wolf

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

This qualitative case study investigates faculty perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI) integration within a private university context, examining pedagogical, administrative, and ethical implications. Data collected through semi-structured interviews with faculty across four disciplines revealed ambivalent yet cautiously optimistic attitudes. Participants acknowledged AI’s potential to enhance personalized learning and reduce bureaucratic burdens through automation. However, three critical barriers emerged: (1) insufficient institutional technological infrastructure, (2) lack of systematic faculty training programs, and (3) unresolved ethical dilemmas surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and academic integrity. Notably, while faculty welcomed AI as a supplemental tool, they unanimously emphasized the irreplaceable role of human …

Illuminating Two Secondary Schoolteachers’ Praxes On A ‘Terrain Of Freedom:’ Lessons For Teacher Education, Paul Tarc, Nicholas Ng-A-Fook, Tasha Ausman, Catherine James

Northwest Journal of Teacher Education

This paper attunes to the stated focus of this special issue—teacher subjectivities on a terrain of freedom—to consider the qualities, possibilities and limits of teachers’ praxes and development upon this ‘terrain.’ In response to the call, we explore three critical questions: 1) Where does the teacher’s freedom lie amidst required protocols and standardization?; 2) Can teachers transcend how they have been conceived and conditioned?; and 3) How can teachers engage in transformative development? Through a "poetics of teaching," inspired by Hansen (2004), we frame teaching as a curricular and pedagogical art form that melds interdisciplinary, intellectual, aesthetic, and …

Innovation In Active Learning: Evaluating The Flipped Classroom Method In Physician Associate Education, Malatrice R. Montgomery

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The purpose of this review article aims to explore the effect of innovative, active learning methods, such as the flipped classroom, compared to traditional lectures to assess whether academic performance and learning outcomes are improved and result in better student engagement and knowledge retention. A literature search using the PubMed database was conducted. Six journal articles were identified that provided evidence to support the purpose of the article review. Findings demonstrated a higher academic performance in the flipped classroom. Results showed test scores were significantly higher for a majority of the flipped classroom courses. Research also indicated the opportunity for …

Ai‐Assisted Integration Of Computational Thinking: Pre‐Service Teachers’ Experiences In Early Childhood Mathematics Education, Hae Min Yu, Seung Kim, Hyeseong Lee

Education Department Faculty Articles

This study examined how pre-service teachers utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools to integrate computational thinking (CT) in early childhood mathematics education. Through a qualitative case study guided by the TPACK framework, we examined 24 early childhood pre-service teachers enrolled in a mathematics methods course as they developed CT-integrated math lesson plans using AI assistance. Data sources included pre- and post-course open-ended questionnaires, CT exploration assignments, AI interaction documentation, lesson plans, and reflection papers. The findings revealed three patterns in how pre-service teachers leveraged AI as a scaffold: generating initial ideas for CT integration, refining these ideas for specific teaching contexts, …

Infographic: Timss 2023 – Instructional Clarity In Maths And Science, Jo Earp

Teacher infographics

Latest TIMSS data show the degree to which teachers are clear in the way they deliver the mathematics and science curriculum is likely to influence student learning. This includes ensuring students understand the learning goals for each lesson, being able to explain key concepts, and giving students helpful feedback. Find out more in this infographic.

The "N" Framework: A Teacher Knowledge Framework For Numeracy Across The Curriculum, Kathy O'Sullivan, Niamh O'Meara, Merrilyn Goos, Paul Conway

Numeracy

Governments and policymakers around the world are encouraging teachers to teach numeracy across the curriculum. This paper proposes a theoretical framework for the knowledge required to teach numeracy across multiple disciplines. The concept of teacher knowledge is complex and consists of many different facets of knowledge. This paper proposes a framework that integrates theories from existing models of general and subject specific teacher knowledge, along with a model of numeracy. The authors developed the "N" framework, an integrated framework of numeracy knowledge, subject specific knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge. Each element is essential for teaching numeracy across the curriculum in …

Pinterest Can Help Teachers Cook A Casserole, But What About Lgbtqia+ Affirming Lesson Plans For Students Of Color?, Denise Villarrial Nealon

Deliberately Queer Journal

We have learned to be crafty homemakers, small space decorators, and even teachers through the eye-catching appeal of sites like Pinterest or Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). The accessibility and ease of searching for a preset lesson saves time, and in a society where teachers are paid far less than what they are worth and asked to work longer hours than they are paid for, this makes sense. Using the theoretical frameworks of CRT, QueerCrit, and CRP, along with the concepts of intersectionality, can build learning tools for new teachers to disrupt previous exclusionary practices that prevent LGBTQIA+ students of Color …

Using Facebook To Discuss The Science Of Reading, Erica Barnes, Jaime Puccioni, Abigail Ferris

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Students in U.S. elementary schools continue to experience difficulty learning to read, with some attributing these difficulties to a lack of alignment with the Science of Reading (SOR). Social media plays a prominent role in disseminating information about the SOR, serving as a platform for discussion and debate that reflects many tenets of effective online professional development (OPD). The current study examines how one group of educators on social media sought out and discussed information related to the SOR. Content analysis was utilized to determine how contributors engaged with the group and what pedagogical content knowledge and SOR topics were …