Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

The K-12 Education Workforce In Nevada, 2024, Olivia K. Cheche, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

K-12 Education

This fact sheet presents data on the share of workers in the K-12 education workforce in Nevada. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System provides data on the amount of employment in all job sectors at the state and metropolitan statistical area (MSA) levels. This fact sheet focuses on employment and wage data for the State of Nevada, the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV MSA, and the Reno, NV MSA as of May 2024.

Gaining Insights Into Community Engagement Efforts: Learning From Preservice Stem Educators, Amy G. Maples, Lynn L. Hodge, Nick Kim

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

This study seeks to extend research in the field by exploring literature examining preservice teachers’ perceptions of community engagement efforts. We then report findings from a thematic analysis of a survey conducted with teacher candidates at a university in the southeastern U.S. who took part in school- and community-based STEM events, and provide implications and suggestions for utilizing community engagement opportunities as a means of enriching preservice teachers’ understandings of local school and community contexts.

Social-Emotional Learning In A Week-Long Theatre Camp For Youth, Emily E. Virtue, Lisa C. Mann, Hannah Diener

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

Understanding how social-emotional learning develops in middle level education is important for educators and parents as they work to guide youth toward healthy relationships and responsible citizenship. Many studies demonstrate that students who participate in theatre have shown greater emotional health and more capacity to move through conflict positively. This study asks if social-emotional learning through theatre education can still happen outside of a formal educational setting. This study is a mixed methods investigation of a week-long theatre camp in the summer for upper elementary and middle school youth. Four aspects of social emotional learning were studied: task articulation, self-regulation, …

Exploring The Impact Of A Middle Level School Therapy Dog On Students And Staff And Connections To Best Practices In Middle School Education, Brandye Nobiling, Sherry Maykrantz, Tara Downes, Joshua Nobiling

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

The presence of therapy dogs in schools has increased due to the growing body of research showing positive effects of assisted-animal interaction. But there is little published research on how an innovation such as a therapy dog connects to best practices in middle level education. The goal of the research was to use the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory to connect the implementation of a therapy dog to the Association for Middle Level Education’s (AMLE) essential attributes and characteristics as well as components of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. Focus …

Building Community With Middle Level Preservice Teachers, Carolyn A. Weber

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

This paper addresses how community building can be implemented in a class for preservice middle level teachers. The preservice teachers connected community building to their success in the course and reported ways they could build community in their future classrooms.

"It Makes It More Real.”: Teacher Candidate Perceptions Of A Clinically-Rich Middle Grades Teacher Preparation Program, Shawn A. Faulkner, Michael Dicicco

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

The persistent divide between theory and practice in teacher education has long been a subject of concern among researchers and scholars (Darling-Hammond, 2006; Zeichner, 2010). This paper explores teacher candidate perceptions of a clinically-rich (NASUP, 2021) middle grades teacher preparation program that has worked to create a “third space” (Zeichner, 2010) through a school-university partnership with a local middle school. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with teacher candidates (n=23) at the time of program completion. Findings suggest teacher candidates felt prepared and valued clinically-based activities and experiences. Teacher candidates suggest future improvements to the program should include more experiences tied to …

From Observation To Ethical Inquiry: Course Redesign In Middle Level Educator Preparation, Sarah Straub, Elizabeth Gound

Current Issues in Middle Level Education

This manuscript explores the transformative impact of ethical engagement in the course MLGE 3301: Adolescent Learning, designed for pre-field students in an educator preparation program. Focused on middle-grade education and special education, this course incorporates a significant service learning component, with undergraduate students spending 10 service hours in middle school classrooms and conducting interviews with middle school students. The purpose of the interviews is to enable pre-field students to engage with middle school students and use the insights gained to reflect on the alignment between their coursework in adolescent learning theory and real-world experiences. Two professors leading the course recognized …

Exploring The Impact Of A Literacy-Based Service-Learning Project On Pre-Service Teachers, Shelly J. Landreth, Tara Wilson

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

In this study, we describe a teacher educator’s first experience implementing a service-learning project in a children’s literature course in which pre-service teachers helped provide read-alouds for the local public library’s summer reading program. We sought to examine the impact the project had on the seven participants. Data was collected through reflective journals and an end-of-course debrief. Four themes were identified in the data: Initial Feelings, Preparation and Planning, Lessons Learned, and Barriers and Challenges.

Burnout Theory, Pandemic Teaching And Teacher Efficacy: What Is Lost When Schools Return To “Normal”?, Katy Farber, Penny A. Bishop

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Our qualitative study examined educators’ perceptions of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of burnout theory. Using the three components of burnout as theorized by Maslach and Leiter (2016), we analyzed teachers’ self-reports of emotional exhaustion, cynicism/depersonalization, and reduced sense of professional self-efficacy. We interviewed 16 teachers who taught through the emergency remote-learning phase of the pandemic in March 2020 and remained in the same district when prepandemic practices returned. We conducted semistructured interviews in person and on Zoom with special educators, integrated arts teachers, school counselors, and general classroom teachers. We describe the unanticipated finding that teachers …

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 …

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

Straus Center for Young 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: …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …