The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore African American male teachers' factors why they remained in K-12 urban public education in Northern New Jersey. African American male teachers are absent in K-12 public education, comprising only two percent of the all-teacher population, according to the data reported by…

This study examined budgets for public school districts in New Jersey, changes in state aid allocation for schools following the implementation of New Jersey Senate Bill S-2 (S-2), and student academic performance based on standardized assessments. This study examined changes in student academic performance due to the implementation of S-2. This…

K-12 school districts are on the frontlines of cyber warfare, with many districts across America to become victims of phishing, social engineering, malware, and ransomware attacks. As a result, many districts have been forced to cease operations for extended periods of time, pay costly ransoms, and endure the embarrassment of having highly…

Education has historically been dominated by women, while those in leadership positions are male. Women are acutely underrepresented in the top position in public school districts across the nation. There is consistent evidence supporting that women often encounter both explicit and implicit barriers hindering their trajectory and growth to a…

This study explored the unique leadership journeys of Latinx women holding principal positions in K-12 schools across New Jersey. The research findings revealed that these women's career paths were significantly influenced by their social identity characteristics, specifically as female Latinx individuals. The study serves as a crucial reminder to…

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)…

Science teacher shortages are reaching critical capacity across the United States and New Jersey. Emerging teacher identity research highlights the impacts that subject matter plays in the development and retention of today's teachers. Strong personal and professional connections to the content area of science directly impact a person's decision…

School climate and culture, and its relevance to student achievement has traditionally been a topic of discussion among educators. There have been many research studies dedicated to determining if a school's culture and climate had an effect on student achievement. This study sought to determine if teachers' perceptions of school culture and…

Ensuring that all students graduate high school prepared to pursue a career, postsecondary degree, or enter a certification program requires all stakeholders to work together for a common goal. The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 gave state education agencies the opportunity to partner with their local education agencies, restructuring school…

In the face of unprecedented challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resilience and adaptability of educational systems worldwide. At the heart of this turmoil, the critical relationship between boards of education and superintendents has emerged as a focal point for both scrutiny and improvement. This dissertation examines the dynamics…

A narrative study was used to examine the perspectives and experiences of Superintendents working toward educational justice by addressing the inequities found in schools. Data was collected through a series of semi-structured interviews representing a diverse participant pool of 23 superintendents and assistant superintendents who were currently…

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…

While much research has been conducted on principal (and teacher) leadership styles, there is less knowledge on the relationship between initial instructional certification, leadership style, and longevity. This study focused on New Jersey principals in the public-school sector in the preschool to 12th grade setting to determine if the…

Environmental sustainability is a growing concern around the world and an issue in many organizations. In schools, many principals have implemented environmental sustainability programs for students. However, it is unclear if the principals have created successful environmental sustainability programs while managing their demands and…

Insufficient teacher preparation, ineffective instructional methods, and cultural biases often lead to the misapplication of culturally responsive practices, exacerbating the educational opportunity gap between marginalized and nonmarginalized students. When schools do not address these issues of ineffective teaching and bias, marginalized…