Teaching-focused professional development (PD) programs offered at institutions of higher education (IHEs) are uniquely positioned to be levers of change that improve the quality of undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in ways that broaden participation in STEM education, workforce development, and…

Educators worldwide are engaged in efforts to improve teaching and learning through teachers' collaborations in learning communities and networks. Teacher leadership has played a crucial role in such communities or networks. This study focused on a teacher professional development program in mainland China, the Master Teacher Studio, in which a…

We report the leadership of mathematics leaders who participated in a leadership intervention. Participation in the intervention was provoked by a tension in teaching practice concerned with a lack of challenge in mathematics teaching in the leaders' schools. We evidence how the mathematics leaders sought to address the tension they faced through…

This dissertation critically examines grading practices within schools, tracing the evolution from traditional to modern approaches and highlighting the social dimensions and debates surrounding grading. Through a mixed-methods study spanning three empirical chapters, it explores students' and teachers' perceptions of grading practices, the impact…

For nearly three decades, mathematics research has indicated the need for high-quality mathematics instruction including both ambitious and equitable practices, as well as continuous, innovative learning opportunities for educators. Teaching practices and standards for mathematical practice have been identified to provide guidance. While research…

Students with disabilities (SWDs) are being educated in the general education classroom more than ever before. As the nation moves toward increasing science education, more must be understood about how science teachers are supporting SWDs in their classrooms. The present study analyzed the responses of five middle school science teachers on how…

Biology teachers received professional development to effect instructional changes that ensure student cognitive engagement and knowledge acquisition at higher cognitive levels. We asked the following questions: 1) What are the initial needs of teachers to promote active learner engagement and knowledge acquisition at higher cognitive levels? 2)…

The rapid growth of academic occupational therapy programs in the United States, combined with an increase in senior faculty retirement, requires a new, growing, robust and well-prepared faculty workforce. In addition to the growth of programs, faculty shortages necessitate proactive strategies for preparing transitioning clinicians for successful…

Antiracism and cultural competence, when incorporated into early childhood education, can powerfully impact young children's social and emotional development. Authors Christine Mason, Randy Ross, Orinthia Harris, and Jillayne Flanders guide leaders in cultivating compassion and equity in their school communities. Explore reflective practices with…

Collective teacher innovativeness has emerged as a recent topic of interest in both international policy documents and scholarly research. However, only a few studies have focused on the factors that enable collective teacher innovativeness, particularly in terms of revealing whether and to what extent school leadership might influence this…

In an era marked by the widespread use of digital technology, educators face the need to constantly learn and develop their own new literacies for the information era, as well as their competencies to teach and apply best practices using technologies. This paper underscores the vital role of ongoing teacher professional learning (OTPL) with a…

Exploring how science teacher education programs can prepare science teachers to support gender and sexually diverse students remains an important area for research. A 5-week intervention was designed for pre-service science teachers' (PSSTs), addressing gender and sexual diversity (GSD). The effects of the intervention on PSSTs' attitudes and…

Key to addressing persistent opportunity gaps in education is preparing teachers who are committed to disrupting the status quo. In recent years, teacher education research and scholarship have increasingly focused attention on the learning and development of preservice teachers with respect to issues of race, equity, and justice. However, less…

Principals' transitions have often given rise to problems, challenges, and upset for teachers and principals alike. Studies on principal succession and educational change question the effectiveness of regular, rapid, and predictable transitions of principals, a strategy used at the district level, especially during turbulent times. This revolving…

Students are starting middle school without the foundational reading skills necessary to access the texts in their content area classes, such as science and social studies. This is causing great frustration for the teachers who feel unsure of how to help these students because they did not learn about how students learn to read in their teacher…