Sparse information exists on how elementary teachers might use reflective journaling as a tool for professional development (PD) to enhance their teaching methods. The problem is that even though elementary teachers have access to a variety of PD opportunities, these opportunities are often insufficient for meeting individual teachers' needs to…

Although the literature on leadership is abundant and funds spent on leadership training have consistently increased over time, only 13% of organizations report that they have done a quality job with increasing leadership skills. Senior executives asserted that only 11% of leadership development interventions achieved and sustained the desired…

The Human-focused Facilitation (HFF) program was evaluated to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the processes used to build facilitator knowledge, skills, and dispositions. This study used an explanatory sequential, mixed-methods design to analyze data from Human-focused Facilitation participants and a focus group that did not participate…

Professional development (PD) is crucial for enhancing teachers' pedagogical skills and impacting student learning outcomes. Despite its importance, current PD approaches often fail to achieve desired changes in instructional practices. This educational design research (EDR) project advocated developing purposeful design principles for online PD…

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to reveal the empowering attributes that promote successful living academically, behaviorally, and socially at home, in school, and in the community as described through the lived experiences of individuals who have completed a social-emotional learning program. The central research…

This study assesses the effectiveness of the curriculum for an online professional development training designed to support people working in the helping professions gain greater self-awareness about how they respond to stress and trauma in the midst of emotionally charged interactions. The training utilizes an existential, developmental, and…

Deficits in the systems inherent to the field of ASL-English interpreting have resulted in gaps and barriers that impact novice interpreter practitioners. As a potential mitigating factor, research has shown the importance of developing confidence and self-efficacy in novice interpreters. Due to time and curricular restraints, the current system…

This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore how pre-service elementary teachers in a college program describe their academic and emotional experiences that influence collaboration in an inclusive classroom setting in a Northeastern Region of the United States. Collaborative practices to support students in inclusive setting have become an…

Through continuing education, educators improve their skills and become more proficient at their jobs. However, some educational leaders are unaware of the perception of teachers regarding professional development. Grounded in Desimone and Garet's framework of best practices in teachers' professional development, the purpose of this interpretive…

Demographics of suburban schools are shifting from predominantly White families to include more individuals and families of color, immigrants, and those who are economically vulnerable (Diamond & Posey-Maddox, 2020). In order to lead their changing communities in pursuit of equity, school administrators need support and guidance to recognize…

This study delved into the professional development strategies employed to enhance novice classroom teachers' grasp of culturally responsive teaching and pedagogy and their subsequent impact on cultivating equitable classroom environments. The research question guiding this investigation was: What specific components of culturally responsive…

This dissertation examines the effect of a Buddhist-based program of mindfulness, taught as part of the curriculum of a graduate program, on the relationship of teacher-practitioners with their work. Collecting data on the experiences of three cohorts over a nearly three-year period, this longitudinal case study examines the experiences of…

Historically, college and university professors have been known as experts in their respective disciplines but lack training in pedagogy or andragogy. This problem can be particularly impactful at very small colleges where resources for faculty professional development are scarce. Faculty development which creates learning communities encourages…

There is a lack of student engagement in science education that promotes critical thinking, real-world problem solving, innovation, and diversity. The purpose of this action research study was to investigate and develop innovative STEM opportunities for students at the middle school level. Participants and data collected in Cycle 1 consisted of…

This present study investigates the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on teachers and school counselors during a disruptive situation. A four-week modified MBSR program was held with 36 school counselors and teachers across the nation during the global pandemic. A questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were conducted…