Teacher Preparation Research Area

Dr. Paula Cristina Azevedo is currently researching teacherpreneurs’ use of social media platforms, such as Instagram, and the impact of teacherpreneurs in effective marketing and teacher leadership in PK-12 education. Additionally, in collaboration with colleagues, she created the Write Up! Institute, which provides Education doctoral students with academic writing support. She is researching doctoral students’ perception of academic writing and how the Write Up! Institute has impacted doctoral students’ perceptions and attitudes toward academic writing and research.

Dr. Nicci Dowd research focus is in the following areas: (a) culturally responsive and sustaining practices that foster more inclusive learning environments for ALL learners, (b) high-leverage practices to promote meaningful transition experiences for students with disabilities, (c) investigating principles of models of support and collaboration to assist new faculty toward tenure, (d) DEI initiatives in K-12 schools in Panama and Colombia.

Dr. Elizabeth Langran research interests (link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Elizabeth-Langran-2) include digital equity, technology and teacher education, global citizenship, and geospatial technology. Her co-authored book, Navigating Place-based Learning: Mapping for a Better World, was published in November, 2020 by Palgrave Macmillan (link: https://www.palgrave.com/us/book/9783030556723).

Dr. Jessica Marotta is researching and revising curriculum with faculty and student input within the EdD program. This program is uniquely designed for scholarly practitioners who want to make a difference in their current professions by learning current, applicable, and meaningful leadership strategies. Our EdD program is grounded in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate’s (CPED) guiding principles and Dr. Marotta’s research examines how to better integrate these principles throughout the EdD program, the student learning outcomes, and their Dissertation in Practice. An additional aspect is creating activities to help students meet their research goals by the end of the program.