Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Talis 2024 – Infographic: What Motivated You To Become A Teacher?, Dominique Russell

Teacher infographics

Intrinsic motivation to teach is an important aspect of teacher retention. The latest Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS 2024) gathered data about teachers’ motivations by asking them about factors of high importance for working in the profession. Here are the top 5 motivating factors for Australian TALIS participants.

Effectiveness Of Pre-Service Teachers’ Service Learning With English Language Learners Via Zoom, Donita Grissom, Padideh Fattahi Marnani, Sophie Cuocci, Irina Mclaughlin

Journal of English Learner Education

This study investigates service-learning experiences for university students in a teacher certification program, explored through the lens of sociocultural theory. Data was collected from pre-service teachers (PST) involved in service learning conducted virtually using Zoom with Vietnamese pre-service teachers. Data was in the form of surveys, which included short reflections and yes/no responses. Findings show that the service-learning program allowed PST to have the opportunity to apply the strategies learned in their coursework with ELs and increased their sense of preparation as a result. Pre-service teachers reported the service-learning communities of practice to be beneficial for their ELs. Implications highlight …

Transdisciplinarity Through A Functional Approach In The Content Areas: Commonalities For School Teachers, Karen L. Terrell, Luciana C. De Oliveira, Jia Gui

Journal of English Learner Education

In 2020, the WIDA Consortium released a revised English language development standards framework that integrates a functional approach to language development, grounded in systemic functional linguistics, across core subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Central to this framework are four Key Language Uses—Narrate, Inform, Explain, and Argue. While this holistic approach is promising, it poses challenges for elementary and middle-grade teachers and ESOL specialists, who often teach multiple subjects. To ensure all teachers can implement this approach effectively, the integration of functional language must be simplified for generalist instructors. This article explores how identifying linguistic commonalities across …

Exploring Language Through Systemic Functional Linguistics: Importance Of Communicating And Developing Academic Language For Multilingual Learners, Yana Shifrina-Piljovin

Journal of English Learner Education

Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) is a comprehensive theory of language that offers a unique perspective on how we use language to communicate and create meaning. SFL provides educators with a powerful theoretical framework for understanding how language functions in various contexts and how this knowledge can be applied to enhance classroom instruction. Developed by linguist Michael Halliday in the 1960s, SFL has become an influential framework for understanding linguistic metafunctions, from everyday conversations to academic discourse. The "systemic" aspect of SFL refers to the idea that language is a network of systems, each offering a set of choices for expressing …

The Benefit Of Qualified English Language Teachers In Non-English-Speaking Countries, Tina M. Allen-Abulhassan

Journal of English Learner Education

Abstract

This study explores the impact of qualified English language teachers on English Language Learners (ELLs) in their home countries, assessing how English language instruction can enhance their preparedness for higher education in Western universities. The need for effective English language education is underscored by the scarcity of qualified ESL instructors, which leaves L2 learning ill-equipped for academic success. Utilizing Vygotsky’s social development theory, particularly the Zone of Proximal Development, this research examines the role of social interactions with qualified native speakers in fostering language proficiency and academic achievement. The literature review highlights significant barriers ELLs face, including inadequate teaching …

Exploring The Experiences Of Three Saudi Mothers Returning To Saudi With Their Bilingual Children, Fatimah H. Almuthibi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative interview study explored the experiences of three Saudi mothers who returned to Saudi Arabia with their bilingual children after living with their children in English-speaking countries for educational and academic purposes. Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory is the theory that served as the guiding framework for the study, shaping the direction of the study and informing both the analysis and discussion of the data. The purpose of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of this unique phenomenon and to address a gap in the existing literature since there are very few studies that focus on the post-return experience …

Mental Health Awareness For Teachers: A Review Of The Literature, Jerry Burkett

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes their abilities and can cope with the normal stresses of life (Bohare & Tiwari, 2020). These individuals are productive in their work, life, and communities. These people can manage their mental health challenges which can range from high to low (MHFA, 2020). Research is showing a growing need for expanding mental health support in K-12 schools. Schools are in a unique position to address today’s mental health crisis among members of the education community. (Mcluckie et al., 2014; National Association of School Psychologists, 2015; Ormiston et al., 2021). …

English, Lamia Saad Alnomei

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

It is crucial to integrate technologies into childhood education and teaching digital citizenship, but there are certain barriers to this integration in Saudi Arabia. Elicitation interviews were conducted in the context of this study with six participants, including kindergarten teachers and school leaders. They showed different levels of understanding the concept of digital literacy and citizenship and various levels of valuing technologies as tools for education. For instance, some expressed the need for more awareness and training, and other exhibited a deep understanding of digital citizenship. The study used Rogoff’s sociocultural theory, explored the influence of culture and parents on …

Italian Mathematics Prison Teachers’ Perspective On The Teaching/Learning Of Mathematics In Prison School, Andrea Maffia, Luca Decembrotto, Chiara Giberti, Federica Mennuni, Gabriella Pocalana, Silvia Regola, Agnese Telloni

Journal of Prison Education Research

Teaching in the prison context is characterized by a high complexity level; it is a multifaced activity influenced by several factors depending on the specific context. We present a preliminary but overall picture of schooling in Italian prisons by considering teachers’ reflections regarding their experiences in teaching mathematics in correctional facilities. To address the gap in the current literature on this issue, we conducted a SWOT analysis on the reflection provided by a group of nine Italian mathematics teachers who teach in different prisons and with different experiences and backgrounds. Their reflection allowed us to identify and describe six theory-driven …

The Role Of Peer Networks In Elementary Teacher Preparation Programs, Bayan Alnaim

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research provided insight into how peer networks related to the professional learning of TC as they moved through an elementary teacher preparation program. These formal and informal peer networks helped nurture collegiality among TCs to aid learning and provide emotional support, which allowed an edge toward forming an identity. This study examined the particular role of teacher networks in TCs’ learning (Al Sultan, 2021; Anderson et al., 2022). The study applied Social Constructivism and Communities of Practice frameworks to analyze the influence of peer networks on the development of teaching skills and professional identities. Data from TCs participating in …

Designing Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure To Benefit Residents In A Near-Port Community, Polly Parkinson, Emma Mecham, Fawn Groves, Amy Wilson, Ivonne Santiago

Teacher Education and Leadership Student Research

In the rush to meet electric vehicle (EV) adoption goals that address environmental and health concerns, transportation planners, engineers, and community policy experts cannot separate the context of socioeconomic factors from transportation needs. This data analysis indicates that because transportation decisions are backgrounded by health, work, and housing, EV adoption must also address multifaceted human needs. Communities focused on building more electric vehicle charging stations motivated this research to find ways for all households to benefit. This primarily qualitative study, including a community survey and individual interviews, engaged residents in the planning process. The inductive research project grew from a …

Promoting Sophomore Progression: Academic Advocates’ Perceptions Of Holistic Interventions And Data Analytics, Sarah Angela Wray Marshall

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored academic advocates’ perceptions regarding holistic student interventions and data analytics utilization to enhance sophomore success at their institution. This study contributes to the literature on sophomore success by providing an academic advocacy perspective and to the emerging literature using data analytics to enhance retention, persistence, and graduation rates in higher education. Multiple methods of data collection were employed, including four academic advocate interviews, document analysis, and reflexive journaling. A hybrid thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. By exploring practitioners’ narratives, the research addressed a gap in scholarship on how academic advocates enact their …

It Shouldn’T Be About Where They Sit, But About Where They Can Succeed: A Pilot Study About Teachers’ Experiences With Lre In A Rural Middle School, Angela D. Norris, Silvia Correa-Torres, Heather Tellier

Journal of Educational Research and Innovation

One of the key principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) is to ensure that students with disabilities receive quality education with their non-disabled peers in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Teachers are pivotal in fostering inclusive classrooms, yet rural schools face challenges in resource allocation, professional development, and recruitment and retention of qualified teachers and other personnel, making implementing inclusion and the LRE principle difficult. Research indicates rural educators feel ill-prepared to implement inclusive practices due to a lack of knowledge, limited resources, and specialized skills to support students who have disabilities. The purpose of this …

Pre-Service Teacher Perceptions Of Preparedness: Collaboration With Diverse Families Of Children With Disabilities, Guofeng Shen, Sandy Bowen

Journal of Educational Research and Innovation

Collaboration between educators and families is a critical issue in the field of education. This topic becomes even more salient when working with culturally, linguistically, or economically diverse families of children with disabilities. Both research and practice have shown that many educators enter the profession without adequate preparation for this aspect of their role. This study examined pre-service teachers' attitudes, comfort level and perceived preparedness to collaborate with diverse families of children with disabilities while completing their university teacher preparation programs. A total of 159 pre-service teachers representing 40 institutions completed an online survey addressing this topic. Results indicated a) …

Thank You To Our 2024/2025 Reviewers, Paul B. Freeman Od, Brian K. Foutch Od, Phd

Optometric Clinical Practice

Reviewers

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion After Covid-19, Danielle Kalberer Od, Mba, Grace Tan Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: A healthy, 39-year-old male patient presented with sudden onset, painless vision loss of the right eye’s superior visual field two months after a mild case of COVID-19.

Case Report: The patient was diagnosed with an acute branch retinal artery occlusion and referred to the emergency department for prompt evaluation. When the emergency workup was unremarkable the patient was referred to cardiology and hematology and follow up with a retinal specialist. The exhaustive systemic work-up was unremarkable other than recent COVID-19. Retinal perfusion to the affected area resumed in the weeks after the incident but irreversible vision loss occurred.

Conclusion: …

Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report, Erica Vanderpool Od, Carla Gilbertson Kuiken Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by faulty transmission at the neuromuscular junction leading to fatigable muscular weakness. Ocular MG is distressing in that it can cause visual difficulties, but generalized MG can be life-threatening. MG is an acquired disorder that can easily be overlooked in clinic and is commonly misdiagnosed. Providers should be aware of the clinical features of this condition, as well as the critical testing needed to confirm the diagnosis so the appropriate management course can be implemented.

Case Report: This case features a 67-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis …

Treatment Considerations For Early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma In Active-Duty Military, Ridwan Carim-Sanni Od, Danielle Kalberer Od, Mba

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The tools available to treat glaucoma via intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction include pharmacological therapy or surgical intervention.

Case Report: This case study explores these tools in the context of glaucoma in active-duty military personnel. It involves an active-duty army patient diagnosed with early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) who was initially prescribed IOP-lowering medication. Barriers in treatment compliance occurred while the patient was deployed that led to significant glaucomatous changes detected when the patient returned stateside.

Conclusion: This report suggests a shift from the traditional pharmacological …

Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane For Corneal Epithelial Abrasions: Case Series, Laura Goldberg Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Corneal abrasions are one of the most frequent ocular conditions encountered in the emergency department and can lead to significant morbidity and visual impairment. Amniotic membrane has inherent anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties that help accelerate epithelialization and help prevent the complications known to be associated with corneal injuries. Herein we assessed the time till complete epithelialization after in-office application of cryopreserved amniotic membrane in cases of traumatic corneal abrasions in the acute setting.

Case Reports: A total of ten eyes (5 right eye; 5 left eye) of ten consecutive patients (8 Male; 2 Female; average age 40.9 ± 17.8 …

Learning From Our Future Colleagues, One Case At A Time, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

Infographic: Motivations To Write For Pleasure, Dominique Russell

Teacher infographics

A survey of 115,000 children and young people aged 5-18 from across the UK asked what, if anything, would make them want to write in their free time by giving them a list of 11 suggestions. The results offer insights into possible strategies for your own students.

The Future Of Nursing Leadership: Incorporating E-Learned Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Pathways With A Precautionary Focus Of Patient-Centered-Care, Jamie Anne Marcus Dr, Bonnette Villalba Webb

FDLA Journal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a data-driven mathematical process that incorporates machine-based-logic, usually in the form of algorithms. Education, training, and competencies are now conducted through virtual reality, robotics, simulation, and technology learning-based-platforms by healthcare organizations. This represents a significant change in the future of nursing practice. The adaptability of technology-based-learning platforms can impact the quality and efficiency of learning for some of the workforce population. Nurses' perception of technology and AI-driven nursing practice may vary based on generational orientation and can be a potential barrier to learning, practicing, and adaptability of this framework. The forging of well-trained resilient nurse leaders …

Holistic Support For Online Learners: A Framework For Mental Health Integration, Charlotte A. Jones-Roberts

FDLA Journal

The mental health crisis among college students has been well-documented, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress. Online learners, in particular, face unique challenges related to social isolation, self-regulation, and access to mental health resources. Understanding mental health in the context of online education is critical due to the unique challenges posed by virtual learning environments (Saade et al., 2017; Kumari et al., 2021). This paper explores the importance of mental health support in higher education and proposes a three-level framework for integration: university-level, LMS-level, and course-level support. By addressing common concerns and utilizing a Universal Design …

From Barriers To Bridges: Enhancing Accessibility In Education With Generative Ai, Amy Sugar, Faith Delorenzo

FDLA Journal

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools have the potential to rapidly advance accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in K-12 and higher education settings. By effectively crafting prompts and leveraging existing GAI tools, educators and students can reduce barriers for all learners, including those with disabilities. In this paper, we discuss practical strategies and considerations when using GAI to create flexible and engaging learning experiences while building an accessible and inclusive learning environment.

The Ai Reckoning: Why Higher Education Must Evolve — Now, David L. Hart Jr, Rebecca J. Armstrong

FDLA Journal

The transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education possesses a wealth of potential advantages. AI has introduced new dimensions to teaching and learning, fostering personalized education, automating administrative tasks, and expanding access to resources worldwide. Through adaptive learning platforms, AI can customize learning experiences to meet individual student needs, making education more inclusive and accessible. AI-driven tools can also aid instructors by automating grading, attendance, and other administrative tasks, enabling them to focus more on engagement. Additionally, AI-powered data analytics offer insights into student progress and performance trends, facilitating targeted interventions to support student success.

Visual Design In Instructional Design: Collaborating With Media Teams To Improve Online Learning, Ashley R. Salter

FDLA Journal

As online learning continues to grow and evolve, instructional designers (IDs) are increasingly called upon to create digital learning environments that are pedagogically sound, visually engaging, and accessible. Visual design—once considered a peripheral element of course development—is now recognized as a critical component of learner experience. This article explores how instructional designers collaborate with media teams or independently use tools like Canva and Adobe to enhance the visual quality of online courses. Through case-based reflection and practical examples, this piece highlights the value of intentional design, the supporting workflows, and the impact on learner engagement and instructional clarity.

Holistic Support For Online Learners: A Framework For Mental Health Integration, Charlotte A. Jones-Roberts

FDLA Journal

The mental health crisis among college students has been well-documented, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress. Online learners, in particular, face unique challenges related to social isolation, self-regulation, and access to mental health resources. Understanding mental health in the context of online education is critical due to the unique challenges posed by virtual learning environments (Saade et al., 2017; Kumari et al., 2021). This paper explores the importance of mental health support in higher education and proposes a three-level framework for integration: university-level, LMS-level, and course-level support. By addressing common concerns and utilizing a Universal Design …

Notebooklm: Revolutionizing Learning For Students With Neurodivert Challenges Using Ai And Universal Design Principles, Victoria Brown, Daniel Saurez

FDLA Journal

Students with neurodiverse challenges require effective tools to support their learning tasks. This article investigates the potential of NotebookLM in addressing these needs by defining specific requirements of neurodiverse students. Utilizing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) model, the study examines how NotebookLM can enhance educational experiences for these students. Additionally, practical strategies for integrating NotebookLM into classroom settings are provided. The article concludes with an analysis of the tool's limitations and proposes potential upgrades to optimize its functionality.

Integrating Ai-Llms Into Educational Practices: A Study On Pre-Service Teachers' Readiness And Concerns, Jayrome L. Núñez, Wendell A. Lived, Jomar M. Urbano, Mark Anthony F. Jamisal, Mariecres B. Hontiveros

FDLA Journal

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), into educational practices has become increasingly relevant, influencing pre-service teachers' preparedness and engagement. This study examines the readiness and concerns of pre-service teachers in adopting AI-LLMs for teaching, filling a gap in literature on AI's role in teacher education. Using a cross-tabulation analysis of survey data from 685 respondents across different educational majors and academic levels, the study highlights variations in AI adoption, familiarity, and ethical considerations. Findings indicate that AI engagement grows with academic progression, with Secondary Education majors demonstrating higher adoption rates than Elementary Education majors. While …

On The Influence Of British/American English In The Dominican Society/A Revisited Edition, Pedro J. Tavarez-Dacosta Dr., Fransheska Arias Reyes Lic., Ivanna Del Pilar Tavarez Vasquez Mag.

FDLA Journal

The present work is a historical/linguistic account of an unprecedented fact regarding the existence of two English Speaking Communities [British English and American English], in our country the Dominican Republic, where Spanish is the official and most used language, to the extent of being considered a monolingual nation or country. It is analyzed here, on how the Hispaniola Island was split into two different territories due to different treaties (Aranjuez, Ryswick, among others), held in the old European Metropolis and how the island came to be a French Colony (the territory of what is Haiti now), a Haitian Creole/French speaking …