Bringing Life to Our Mission and Vision: A Problem of Practice

Author

Jessica Preisig, Clemson UniversityFollow

Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education Systems Improvement Science

Committee Chair/Advisor

Dr. Carlos Sandoval Jr.

Committee Member

Dr. Barbara J. Nesbitt

Committee Member

Dr. Noelle A. Paufler

Committee Member

Dr. Lee D’Andrea

Abstract

This study leveraged principles of improvement science and a mixed methods approach to evaluate the impact of an intentionally designed professional learning cohort for teachers. The intended aim of this study was to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy necessary to effectively utilize instructional technology to meaningfully engage all learners. As one part of a collaborative dissertation in practice, this study explored the broad impact of teachers’ participation in a cohort implementing the seven elements of effective professional development (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017) and framed around the ISTE Standards for Educators (Crompton, 2017). The companion study (Britton, forthcoming) provided a deep dive into the role of student-centered coaching with a small group of cohort participants.

Through analyzing data from several pre- and post- surveys completed during the journey, the improvement team took an iterative approach using the PDSA cycle to guide planning through seven modules. Based on analysis of data provided by 25 cohort participants, the team discovered that cohort participation had a statistically significant positive impact on teachers’ knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy. Significant growth was particularly strong for the analyst, facilitator, and collaborator standards, as well as self-efficacy for learning new technology.

The hypothesis that these positive increases would have a significant impact on teachers’ perspectives on using digital learning tools and resources in the classroom was supported by the findings.

Recommended Citation

Preisig, Jessica, "Bringing Life to Our Mission and Vision: A Problem of Practice" (2025). All Dissertations. 4011.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/4011