Prioritizing student engagement in the classroom, where students want to learn more and be challenged, can lead to future success. This study investigated the effectiveness of providing teachers with professional development focusing on student engagement. The study utilized a mixed-method methodology that examined the effects of professional…

Early childhood experiences set the foundations for health, well-being, and learning; quality interactions at this stage of development improve outcomes for young children. Teacher qualifications, training, and professional development (PD) are important components of best practice in early childhood education (ECE) and are frequently used as…

The profession of teaching is considered to be a very stressful occupation. Experiencing elevated levels of stress is associated with harmful outcomes such as mental illness, burnout, and attrition from the profession. The research conducted in this study explored the relationship between teachers who define themselves as stressed and their…

Professional development is a significant factor in improving teachers' instructional practices and increasing students' growth (Kang et al., 2013). The purpose of this study was to explore and analyze elementary teachers' perceptions regarding the impact of professional development delivered by instructional coaches. The central question for this…

This quantitative study explores the effect of mentoring on new teacher retention in central Mississippi school districts. The survey analysis focused on six research questions, investigating how mentoring influences retention among beginning and novice teachers. Results indicate significant similarities in perceptions towards mentoring,…

The utilization of arts-based professional learning to enhance leadership behaviors has been investigated in such fields as business and healthcare, however, its impact on educational leadership is not well understood. This study investigated the nature of arts-based approaches to leadership development experienced by public school principals in a…

This dissertation investigates the educators' perceived impact of receiving a STEAM certification implementing STEAM education. This research stems from the foundation of the disparity between researchers agreeing that support for STEAM professional development should be continuous (e.g., Myunghee et al., 2013; Quigley & Herro, 2016; So et…

Trans people make up about 0.53% of the population or more. Many of these individuals, particularly in the higher education classroom setting, do not feel supported and are subject to discrimination and oppression. Many faculty are not up to date on terminology or ways to be trans-inclusive in the classroom. Studies show that professional…

The purpose of this study sought to investigate the link between professional development and the implementation of professional learning to improve student performance. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, this study explored whether the professional development of culturally responsive teaching influenced classroom implementation.…

This applied research study aims to improve the assistance offered to teachers within their first three years of teaching. As many new teachers enter the profession, they are faced with unexpected challenges and often left isolated and left to navigate teaching alone. This study was conducted based on the collaborative efforts of our leadership…

Educators across the U.S. participate in professional development (PD) to improve their teaching competencies. Numerous legislatures have mandated PD to develop highly qualified teachers; however, literature on PD has shown that teachers feel PD does not meet their needs. With consideration for the diverse needs of teachers, in this study I sought…

The challenge for schools and districts across the country has been tackling issues of equity and inclusion that lead to closing opportunity gaps for students. With this in mind, districts have employed schools to find alternative approaches to discipline. One option districts and school sites have is the use of restorative practices as both…

This research study explores the impact that school district provided professional development has on teacher buy-in for social and emotional learning (SEL). At the time of this study, the literature on social and emotional learning focuses on the impact it has on students and on the impact, it has on academic programming. Literature examining the…

This study addresses the growing need for effective professional development programs to enhance technology integration in classrooms. Through a comprehensive literature review, the research identifies best practices in professional development that can increase teacher self-efficacy and equip them with the necessary skills for 21st-century…

As the cornerstones of societies, teachers play crucial roles in which society can build and shape an inclusive, equitable, and quality education system (Lawrie, 2013a). Stemming from the research that has established strong connections between teacher quality and student success (Darling-Hammond, 2000; Guskey & Sparks, 2004), also highlighted…