This sequential mixed-method study sought to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teacher burnout in general educators, K-12, of a single large school district in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Burnout, a stress-related phenomenon that can develop in a wide range of service-oriented professions, is characterized by three…

This research intends to test the practice that Women of Color, or women who identify as a race other than white, do not receive fair and adequate opportunities to ascend to leadership roles. More specifically, Women of Color do not receive equitable opportunities in administrative positions in the K-12 educational system. Within this study,…

This quantitative research study explored the relationship between teachers' perceptions of how their school leaders navigate change and teachers' self-reported readiness for change using a survey tool developed initially for corporate change management. The Organizational Change Questionnaire -- Climate of Change, Processes, and Readiness (OCQ)…

Non-certified personnel in K-12 education in Pennsylvania represent approximately one-third of all public education employees. Although there has been large-scale reform in the evaluation of certified staff, the non-certified population may not be evaluated at all. The lack of consistency in evaluating this large segment of K-12 education…

Pennsylvania has experienced a significant reduction in certified K-12 school librarian positions. This exploratory sequential mixed methods research study explored principal decision-making impacting K-12 school library programming. 30 survey participants and 8 interview participants located across 3 IUs in PA took part in this research study.…

This dissertation examines the school-level impacts on student achievement in the state of Pennsylvania from the economic inputs provided to students and schools. I conduct a comprehensive review of prior literature on Pennsylvania education funding, the issue of equity versus adequacy, academic spending per pupil, and teacher compensation, as…

This qualitative research study focused on examining the lived experiences and defining moments of K-12 school principals that have contributed to their authentic leadership development, along with how they foster authenticity in their daily lives through the use of self- awareness, relational transparency, balanced processing, and an internal…

This phenomenological study provides insight into the experiences of public-school board directors as they experience, cognitively process, and respond to religious-based reasoning during deliberations on controversial issues while serving in their elected role at school board meetings. Understanding how elected public-school district directors…

Increasing a teacher's well-being may decrease the chance of burnout. The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experienced of educators who are teaching social and emotional learning (SEL) skills to promote students' resiliency. This study was viewed through the lens of the Resiliency Theory. The research question guiding this study…

The manner and method used to evaluate teachers has evolved over time. The methods employed often reflect the historical events and politics regarding education. Effective teachers versus a poor performing teacher can have implications on students' lifetime earnings (Hanushek, 2011). In the 2013-2014 academic year, Pennsylvania adopted the Teacher…

This qualitative research study explored how principal efficacy influences the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). At the time of this study, the majority of literature focused on efficacy in MTSS focused on the teacher and minimal literature focused on the principal efficacy. Research has explored in-depth the principal as…

Student enrollment in K-12 blended learning classes, including for students with disabilities, has steadily increased in the last decade and is likely to continue post pandemic. Although more K-12 students with disabilities are accessing blended learning opportunities, how special education itinerant teachers (SEITs) engage students with…

Mental health and trauma have a significant impact on student achievement and behavior (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Students have struggled to maintain stability, routines, behavior, and achievement. Organizations such as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have created resources to help educators meet…

A classroom physical activity break is any physical activity done in the classroom. It can take place at any time and occur in one or several brief periods during the school day. It includes integrating physical activity into academic instruction as well as providing breaks from instruction specifically designed for physical activity. Classroom…

This study examined the occurrence of impostor phenomenon and burnout among school principals and assistant principals. In addition, the study explored the relationship between impostor phenomenon and burnout among school leaders and the influence gender, role, grade level, and years of experience had on school principal and assistant principal…