This study aimed to examine the initial pre-service teacher outcomes for a newly developed mental health training (i.e., "Training In Mental health for Educators -- Pre-service Teachers" [TIME-PT]). For the development of the TIME-PT, an expert panel and a focus group with pre-service teachers were conducted to inform of any changes and…

It was not known if, and to what extent, differences exist in decision-making, impact, status, autonomy, professional development, and self-efficacy dimensions of teacher empowerment for high school teacher race, gender, and administrative staff gender composition among high school teachers in the Southeastern United States, as measured by the…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experiences of middle school teachers in one Southern California middle school district when using technology, as part of the 1:1 Technology Initiative, to advance student learning and provide effective lesson delivery in the classroom. The literature review indicated a need for…

Administrative support is critical in reducing the teacher turnover rate. Specifically, teachers indicated the need for administrative support, relevant opportunities for professional development, behavioral support, and allocating time for collaboration and planning. In addition, proving administrative support is most consistently associated with…

In this dissertation, I aimed to improve elementary teachers' mathematical instruction by enhancing their content knowledge and skills through the implementation of professional learning communities (PLCs) and professional development. The research design consisted of multiple evaluation steps conducted over time with a collaborative action plan…

In this dissertation study, we investigated professional learning practices common to tiered systems, with specific focus on the Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-Tiered (Ci3T) model of prevention. First, we outlined tiered models and how they address the rising, multiple needs of students, and the fitness of Ci3T for the current educational…

Most people would agree that proficiency in reading is essential for students' success in school and throughout life; however, students across the nation struggle to achieve grade-level proficiency in reading. For decades, people have argued about how reading should be taught. Many scientists now agree that body of evidence is known as the science…

Despite efforts of faculty in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) programs focused on social justice/Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to provide equitable educational experiences for their students, studies on these programs have shown that students of color continue to face racialized experiences in the classroom (Harris & Linder,…

This research was a descriptive study in which the researcher explored the beginning phases of Ethnic Studies implementation in a Kindergarten through Eighth grade (K-8) school district in Northern California. Using a social justice lens, and through a review of Ethnic Studies, Collective Efficacy, Critical Consciousness, and School Culture…

The topic of trauma and the effect it has on an individual has recently been in the forefront of educational research. It is indicated that students who have experienced some form of trauma in their lives will have repercussions that may express themselves in their academic achievement (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). This…

The impact of COVID-19 on teachers is still being assessed. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic this practical action research study action plans for how schools can shift their professional development protocols to be more responsive to teacher's, particularly new teacher's, needs. The action plan is grounded in data from a series of…

In an era of educational transformation, teacher leaders play a pivotal role in facilitating systemic change within schools. This dissertation presents a single-case action research study investigating the support structures provided by a Team Lead Communities of Practice (TL CoP) to nurture teacher leaders. The primary aim of this research is to…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral training programs/frameworks and Professional Development (PD) delivery methods that certified staff - including teachers, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, occupational therapists, and teachers on special assignment - as well as administrators, believe to be necessary…

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if providing targeted professional development (AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading) in foundational literacy skills based on the science of reading and Structured Literacy can lead to a difference in teacher knowledge and to determine a relationship between teacher knowledge and student…

Why do teachers do the job that they do? With teachers leaving the profession in droves and heightened levels of stress put on new professionals, it is essential that organizations start reflecting on what may increase motivation and retention for K-12 classroom educators. This may start with professional development opportunities that are…