Ed.D., Antioch University, 2024, Education

This dissertation describes the experience of a group of international school teachers engaging in a cooperative inquiry exploring the influence of mindfulness-based social-emotional learning (MBSEL) practices on their personal and professional lives. The current reality for educators is one of systemic stress and burnout, with teachers working under increasing pressure, and communities still reeling from the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In international school settings, many expatriate educators are living far away from their country of birth and searching for belonging and community. MBSEL practices have been demonstrated to support wellbeing, however adult learning of these skills is often glossed over in schools. Our cooperative inquiry group co-created the research question: “What do we notice when we practice mindfulness-based social-emotional learning?” Group members held bi-weekly meetings to practice mindfulness meditation and reflective practices within the SEL domains of Self-Awareness and Self-regulation. Participants also practiced independently and journaled about their experiences in between meetings. Transcripts from group meetings as well as personal journal entries and introductory interviews were coded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Our findings indicated that this was a transformative learning experience for members. Five themes highlighted these findings: a) increased self-awareness in times of emotional overwhelm, b) increased levels of self-compassion, c) sharing learning with the community, d) community of practice as a supportive structure and e) deep desire to do something different. The group took initial action by creating a definition for MBSEL and starting an online MBSEL group for international school teachers with the intention of building community and supporting others in their learning. Though this was a small sample size of self-selected participants, the findings are consistent with the current recomm (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts, Wittenberg University, 2023, Education

I conducted this study due to an increase in perceived problematic behaviors at Big River Intermediate School. I utilized an explanatory sequential research method to complete this study. I began my research by administering a survey to both students and staff from the school that returned permission slips to participate in my study. After analyzing the data from this collection method, I then invited certain students and staff to participate in interviews with me based on their responses. Overall, I found that the majority of students and staff members that participated in the study did not find the 7 Mindsets social-emotional learning curriculum to be effective, specifically in improving student behavior at Big River Intermediate School at this point in time. Due to this perceived ineffectiveness, my school and district could take these findings into consideration for the future of their social-emotional learning endeavors.

Bachelor of Arts, Wittenberg University, 2023, Education

For this paper, I will provide educators with actions they can take to make their classroom a safe place for their students to learn and be themselves. If educators implement these actions within their classrooms, then they will be helping their students in many ways. Educators might see their students' education grow and flourish because students will create an environment where they feel like their teacher is a safe individual they can trust. The classroom and classmates will become like a second home and family, allowing them to freely express themselves without fear of being mistreated or outcasted. I will also discuss how I conducted observations and spoke with my cooperating teacher about social-emotional learning (SEL) within her classroom/school. Finally, I will discuss and reflect on an SEL activity I implemented in my student-teaching classroom.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), University of Findlay, 2023, Education

This mixed-method study examines the impact hybrid learning had on sixth-grade students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under normal circumstances, students complete their coursework in a classroom with their peers under the supervision of a teacher with little disruption. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students were required to alter their learning spaces and begin studying from home until they were able to go back to school in the fall of 2020. Even then, most schools had incorporated a hybrid learning model. With the hybrid approach, not all schools followed the same schedule so there were times when half of the students may have been learning from home while their peers were at school. An examination of how sixth-grade students were affected by the hybrid learning model during the COVID-19 pandemic can help determine what resources, if any, are needed in the event schools are required to incorporate a similar model in the future. Data were collected from 9 sixth-grade teachers from three local school districts in Northwest Ohio using a survey sent by electronic mail. Interviews were also conducted with two of the participants. Based on the findings, recommendations for additional professional development and education for both the teachers and the students are discussed.

Bachelor of Science in Education, Ashland University, 2021, Teacher Education

Many contemporary researchers and educators agree on the need to implement social-emotional learning (SEL) in modern public education to teach necessary life skills not usually covered in academic instruction. Typically SEL instruction has focused on primary-level students, but research shows that middle and high school students also benefit from SEL instruction in a very meaningful way during the critical period of development these students experience during adolescence. The field of English Language Arts in itself is a venue for straightforward SEL instruction. Many English Language Arts teachers are already implementing SEL into their curriculum, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The very nature of the field of literature and the study of it embodies SEL as readers vicariously observe and empathize with the experiences of fictional characters. This characteristic of the field creates a unique pathway to SEL instruction through the use of literature that allows for straightforward intercurricular implementation, requiring few changes to the existing curriculum. Included in this document is a curriculum guide for high school English Language Arts teachers to implement SEL into their existing academic curriculum, based on the Ohio Department of Education's new K-12 SEL Standards.

Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), University of Dayton, 2020, School Psychology

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process by which students incorporate skills, attitudes, and behaviors to deal effectively with life's daily obstacles (CASEL, 2019). Social and emotional skills are predictors of school success; thus, schools are increasingly looking for ways to develop students' social-emotional skills. SEL programs can have a long-term impact behaviorally and academically. Most SEL programs are implemented in after-school programs or added on to schools' pre-existing daily curricula. SEL is often integrated into a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) and specifically provided to those students who demonstrate a need for it (Eklund, Kilpatrick, Kilgus, & Eckert, 2018). To date, few studies have investigated SEL programs that are delivered within the academic curriculum; programs that demonstrate alignment between SEL standards and academic learning standards remain largely unexplored. Using a qualitative inquiry design, the implementation of a social-emotional learning English/Language Arts program known as SELLA was examined from the perspective of participating teachers for its feasibility, acceptability, and alignment with the state's learning standards for ELA. Themes fell into two categories related to teachers' perceptions of the program experience, including: 1) areas of strength and 2) areas of suggested improvement. Additionally, three themes emerged specifically regarding alignment of the program with the state's learning standards in writing: 1) teachers needed to independently add content to meet writing standards; 2) teachers see improvements in their students writing after the SELLA program; however, they cannot deduce if that is a direct result of the SELLA program; and 3) students who do not normally participate in the general curriculum are now participating in the SELLA curriculum. The findings are presented along with implications for future research.

Ed.D., Antioch University, 2025, Education

Although puppetry has a long history as a holistic teaching tool, it remains an underutilized arts integration technique in elementary and secondary schools. To better understand Waldorf teachers' perspectives on pedagogical puppetry and the necessary training to effectively implement the work, this explanatory mixed-methods dissertation sought to fill the gap in research on teachers' views of puppetry and what training they believe is important to feel comfortable doing the work. Committed to using an action research approach, a professional development workshop and lesson plans were created for 1st-8th grade Waldorf teachers based on the feedback from this dissertation's explanatory interviews and preliminary survey. The professional development program was created to closely align with Waldorf education practices by linking puppetry experiences within the Waldorf curriculum, Core Arts standards, and potential social-emotional growth. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Ed.D., Antioch University, 2024, Education

Leveraging the researcher's unique diverse cultural and educational background, this dissertation explores integrating social emotional learning (SEL) within an innovative pedagogy of “with ness” (PoW) towards planetary well-being in educational settings. The overarching purpose is to redefine educational strategies through SEL and PoW to advance planetary well-being in tertiary contexts. As such, this dissertation critically engages with three published articles authored during the researcher's doctoral tenure to highlight transformative SEL practices that are fundamentally attuned to ecological consciousness. Informed by critical theory, feminist perspectives, and process philosophy, the hermeneutic circle reflects on these articles to address complex 21st-century challenges educational systems face such as technological disruption, language and culture diversity, mental health and emotional awareness amidst global scale events. Ultimately, the research from this project suggests there is further potential for SEL to contribute significantly to an educational and eventual societal shift that prioritizes planet Earth. By centering planetary well-being, this dissertation aims to help the researcher and readership gravitate towards a more empathetic, equitable, and ecologically conscious generation. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2024, Clinical Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

School administrators, as gatekeepers and leaders of change initiatives in schools, play a crucial role in the adoption of new practices, including social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions. This study employed an innovative data analytic strategy, conjoint analysis, to advance the understanding of elementary school administrators' preferences by (1) identifying key attributes of school interventions (e.g., training time, student outcomes) that are most important to building-level administrators, including principals and assistant principals; (2) discerning the segments of decision-makers within this group; and (3) using simulation analyses to predict preferences for various intervention packages with differing attributes. Analyzing data from 184 school administrators through Hierarchical Bayes estimation, latent class analyses, and market simulation analyses, the study found that administrators prioritized the fit of interventions with school values or culture (Importance score M = 15.4, SD = 3.8), followed by teacher buy- in (M = 12.8, SD = 3.7) and research evidence over peer endorsements (M = 12.8, SD = 3.1) based on importance scores. Teacher buy-in, information source, demographic characteristics of the student body, and improving academic student outcomes was deemed two times more important than training time required for the intervention. Latent class analysis identified three segments of decision-makers: Transformational Leaders 4 (62.8%), Evidence-Seekers (26.2%), and Realists (11%). Simulation analyses revealed that minor modifications to intervention attributes enhanced preference for different intervention packages among decision-making segments. I discuss implications for practice, including how to market and disseminate SEL programs effectively, as well as for future research on administrator preferences.

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2024, Educational Administration

There are five developmental areas: gross motor, fine motor, communication, adaptive behavior, and social-emotional. If social-emotional skills are delayed, all other developmental areas are negatively impacted. Preschool-aged students are incapable of kindergarten readiness if they have a delay in social-emotional development as it impacts their ability to gain and retain academic knowledge. An integrated public preschool in Ohio expressed concern of increased delays in social-emotional skills following the COVID-19 shutdown. Staff noticed an increase in classroom disruptions and emotional dysregulation. To counteract this, the social- emotional program, The Zones of Regulation, was adapted and implemented throughout the preschool environment. Through the theoretical framework of street-level bureaucracy and a bottom-up approach, this qualitative participatory action research study examined the staffs' perspectives on the ease of implementation and effectiveness of the adapted version of The Zones of Regulation. The data that was collected and analyzed revealed that, in the opinion of the participants, the building-wide implementation of this program was successful and improved classroom management. Areas of the program that need improvement were revealed and an action plan was developed.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership , Franklin University, 2024, International Institute for Innovative Instruction

Students faced many challenges during the onset of COVID-19 across the country, including isolation in their learning from not being able to be in the classroom with their peers. Although we are four years post- pandemic, a survey found more than 80% of public schools reported “stunted behavioral and socioemotional development” in their students because of the COVID-19 pandemic (De Leon, 2022). Public school leaders have seen an impact from the pandemic on students' socio-emotional and behavioral development and have seen increased incidents of classroom disruptions from negative behaviors in the classroom (56 percent) (National Center for Education Statistics, 2022). The purpose of this case study is to see how teachers have implemented SEL post- pandemic and the strategies used to improve behavior in the classroom and reduce office referrals, since COVID-19. There were 17 participants from one urban school district in the Midwest that participated in interviews and 12 of those participants participated in a classroom observation. Hearing the experiences of educators from the last four school years on students' SEL skills, looking at SEL competencies presently being taught in the classroom, along with office referral data from the last four school years provides results that will help guide educators as we move further away from the pandemic.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Psychology

Current longitudinal research in developmental science has shown that during college, students generally experience a progressive decline in psychosocial adjustment. First-generation college students (FGCS) encounter unique adjustment difficulties that impact their academic success. Yet, no current research tracks these students' progress based on key factors (i.e., socioemotional competence, psychosocial adjustment, and perceived academic control) that are critical to academic success. To fill this research gap, this short-term longitudinal study is the first to examine how these variables affect academic outcomes among emerging adult college freshmen at two timepoints, as they take one of their first college courses during their first semester of college. Findings show that the associations between most of these study variables are statistically significant and indicative of unique differences between FGCS and continuing-generation college students (CGCS) as academic learners. Perceived academic control was the only key predictor of academic performance. Despite reporting higher levels of psychological distress than CGCS across both timepoints, FGCS only showed significant differences in depression levels by the end of their first semester of college. Academic enrichment program participation did not impact academic performance. These study findings are used to expand FGCS research and offer practitioners relevant insights to support these students' positive adjustment to college upon entry.

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

This dissertation describes a project to develop an art-based curriculum to teach young elementary school-age children social and emotional skills in the classroom based on the experiences of experts in the field of elementary education. Social-emotional learning (SEL) focuses on several key concepts including skills in interpersonal relationships, emotion regulation, and mindfulness (McClelland et al., 2017). By addressing SEL early within the education curriculum, children are exposed to resources that will help them to develop strong regulation skills, engage in identity exploration, and practice healthy relationship skills (Jones et al., 2017). The integration of SEL and art creates a learning format that embraces the characteristics of creativity and play that are engaging for children, while teaching important skills, such as communication and emotion regulation, in a manner that meets students where they are developmentally (Alfonso & DuPaul, 2020). Nine elementary education professionals were interviewed to collect information about social-emotional learning in schools. The interviews were conducted with a primary focus on the questions: what makes SEL programs effective, what are the roles of school in providing SEL, and what skills are most impactful at the first-grade level? Interviews identified observed positive impacts of social-emotional lessons in first-grade classrooms, preferences for brief lessons that can be easily incorporated into classroom schedules, and a need for creative expression in learning. Using the themes identified in each interview, a classroom-based curriculum was developed. This curriculum focuses on working with first-grade students to develop strong social-emotional skills through art instruction and projects. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, https://aura.antioch.edu/ and OhioLink ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu.

Doctor of Education, Ashland University, 2023, College of Education

This dissertation presents a qualitative research single case study to describe the state of social-emotional development of educationally-disadvantaged students at SM Elementary School (pseudonym) in the aftermath of remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand the students' state of social-emotional development, students from SM Elementary School were interviewed on their lived experiences with remote learning during three specific time periods (pre-remote learning, during remote learning, and post-remote learning). Drawing upon the purposeful criterion sampling strategy, 12 students from SM Elementary School who are considered educationally disadvantaged were selected to participate in the interviews. All students were from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and eligible for the free and reduced school lunch program. The primary form of data collection was in the form of semi-structured interviews. Demographic data was also collected from the participants through the use of questionnaires. The analytical framework approach was used to describe the content of the interviews and then the content analysis was used to explain why the patterns or themes that emerged were important. The study's findings provide insight into the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and experiences that students had with remote learning. The data from this research study indicates that in the aftermath of remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students are still struggling with overcoming obstacles and barriers to their learning, specifically in the area of mathematics and understanding important math concepts. All of the factors of disadvantage, challenges, traumatic experiences, thoughts, feelings, emotions, and experiences that students experienced while remote learning have had long-lasting impacts on students' well-being, development of social-emotional skills, and social-emotional health and could be contributing factors to students' ability to learn and achieve i (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Education, Miami University, 2023, Educational Leadership

The purpose of this qualitative, narrative research study was to examine the perceptions of school social workers and their ability to serve as transformative Social Emotional Learning (SEL) leaders in public school settings. The study is significant because there is limited existing research from the perspective of a school social worker. The research applies a transformative leadership lens and transformative SEL leadership tenets to participant responses. Methods: Participants engaged in a semi-structured interview process and answered questions about school processes, procedures, and policies, which provided support or barriers to their transformative SEL work. Results: Factors influencing the SSWs' transformative leadership were identified as a) organizational structures, b) discipline policies and practices, c) communication, d) building relationships with families, e) community engagement, and f) professional identity. The identified factors demonstrate how clarity of roles and the SSW professional identity are critical to the success of their leadership practices. SSWs shared the challenges they face when helping school staff understand the SSW's role and how they are able to contribute to the school ecosystem. Participants reflected on the need to improve their capacity to serve as transformative SEL leaders. The results summarize the influencing factors and provide recommendations for further study as well as implications for school districts to limit the underutilization or undervaluing of SSWs in the public school setting.

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: School Psychology

The disproportionate use of suspension and expulsion targeting Black students is a longstanding problem in the American educational system. Although much of the literature on disproportionality has focused on Black boys, Black girls are suspended at higher rates than girls of any other race due to the misconstrued ideology that Black girls are less innocent and feminine and more adult-like than their White counterparts. Culturally relevant interventions at the student level can support students' social, emotional, and behavioral well-being and improve their skills in navigating inconducive school systems for Black girls. The purpose of this current study was to develop and implement a culturally enriched social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, titled Fix Your Crown, Queen, and evaluate the effects of the curriculum on Black girls' academic engagement during classroom instruction, inappropriate behaviors, office discipline referrals, social skill development, racial identity, and self-esteem. Results were mixed for academic engagement, office disciplinary referrals, and social skills development. Additional results found that racial identity was maintained at high levels, and there was a decrease in self-esteem. Based on these preliminary findings, more research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of FYCQ intervention on Black adolescent girls.

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2023, Educational Leadership

This participatory action research study took the conceptual framework of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), collaboration merging through solid relationships to analyze the realities of the teacher on special assignment (TOSA) role and the job description. This study involved individual interviews and a focus group; both were coded using inductive coding. The results of this study revealed themes of SEL, collaboration, relationships, transitional needs, and future job recommendations. In collaboration with the director of student support services, a two-goal action plan centered around continuing SEL growth and improving this role in the future was made. Due to financial needs that hold significant impact, Westview cannot consider this action plan as their focus and area of need do not align at this time.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Educational Studies

Black students are at greater risk for exposure to traumatic events. A significant factor contributing to this reality is a form of trauma they experience known as racial trauma. Social and emotional learning (SEL) can be used as a tool to mitigate the effects of racial trauma, particularly as it relates to promoting equity. However, as it exists there is a failure to address the unique worldview and specific needs of Black students in the current SEL framework. The purpose of this study is to explore how race, social/cultural identities, racism, and other forms of discrimination influence Black adolescent students' learning, emotions, emotional expression, and interactions with school staff and students during high school. A reflective phenomenological study was conducted to explore social and emotional learning of Black high school students. Interviews were conducted with seven Black college students between the ages of 18 and 19. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings point to the significant role of double consciousness as the guiding framework for the SEL of Black adolescent students, as well as the specific ways Black adolescents experience SEL, the role of the school as a perpetuator of anti-Black racism, the intersections of other social identities in these experiences, and how Black students use resistance to address racism and discrimination. Findings indicate the need for a reframing of SEL that centers the racialization and intersecting identities of Black youth and teaching SEL competencies through a critical lens with a focus on creating systemic change.

Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), University of Dayton, 2023, School Psychology

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the way in which individuals acquire and apply knowledge and skills that relate to their identity, emotions, and social relations (CASEL, 2021). There are indicators that Black students are underserved by current SEL programs; however, there is scarce empirical research investigating this concern. This study examined whether SEL practices connect with students from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. Specifically, this project explored Black students' perspectives of the social emotional curriculum used at their Midwestern high school. Participants included eight Black high school students. These students were in their first year of an SEL curriculum at a high school in Ohio. A semi-structured interview protocol and group interview protocol were created by the primary researcher for this study. The interviews consisted of open-ended questions with opportunities for follow-up questions. Students participated in a one-on-one in-person interview with the primary researcher, followed by a group interview. Themes emerged from the individual and group interviews were: appreciation of social connection, emotional skills improvement, fit of SEL to culture, things liked and disliked, and suggestions for improvement. In conclusion, each individual has varying perspectives of the SEL class at their school, but schools should select curriculums that fit the needs of their student populations.

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2023, Educational Administration

A mixed methods study was conducted to create pedagogical practices to help teachers identify ways of better accommodating students who have been impacted with trauma. Findings suggest that both veteran, as well as entry leveled teachers had insufficient training when it came to trauma informed care, social-emotional learning, and knowledge of the ethics of care. Themes which emerged from the findings allowed for an extensive action plan to be created. By applying Nodding's (2005), ethics of care- implementing care into the classroom, Maslow's hierarchy of needs- making sure the basic needs of students are met (Hooper, 2020), and adopting a social-emotional curriculum to focus on a student's well-being (Bailey et al., 2019), the action plan's objectives were to establish a trauma informed care program. A 3 tiered step by step program was created for teachers to receive the proper training on social-emotional curriculum, professional development, and untimely embed a new trauma informed care program.