Field-based practicum experiences are essential in connecting classroom theory to the real world. In this mixed methods study, we analyzed principal candidates' perceptions of their summer residency practicum experiences via a self-assessment principal leadership competency instrument and virtual semi-structured interviews. We found that principal…

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Relay Graduate School of Education's (GSE) residency-based alternative certification program in Texas, focusing on student achievement and teacher retention. Using a value-added empirical framework, we compare Relay-trained teachers to a matched group of educators from 25 similar preparation programs…

The mission of "Excelencia" in Education is to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. A critical group of institutions enrolling and graduating Latino students are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). In 2023-24, two-thirds of all Latino undergraduate students in higher education (67%) were enrolled in 602 institutions…

The principal internship is a crucial component of principal preparation programs (PPP) in the U.S. and, increasingly, in other countries. The purpose of this study was to compare the experiences and work of principal candidates enrolled in one principal residency program (PRP) to candidates enrolled in a traditional principal preparation program…

There are many studies on the role of technology in facilitating equality, quality, and effectiveness in higher learning in the last decade. This study aims at exploring the sustainability of a postgraduate program in a USA context following the COVID surge. Relational assurance is employed through qualitative methods, and frameworks to make sense…

This study focused on mentors who worked with a university-based Educator Preparation Program (EPP) located in South Texas during the pilot of a teacher residency program. Our research aimed to explore the roles and behaviors of mentors working with teacher residents, with a particular focus on how the introduction of a critical conversation…

This paper investigated principal interns' leadership work during the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas. We used data from one-on-one semistructured interviews to document the experiences of 21 principal candidates in spring 2021 through spring 2022. Participants' leadership work changed in four ways during the pandemic: striving, intensifying,…

Considerable scholarly attention has been paid to various efforts aimed at preparing graduate students for careers as practitioners of public administration. One such approach is hiring practitioners-in-residence (PIR) or employing professors of practice. This paper first reports results of a web content analysis of 355 NASPAA programs that…

Educator preparation programs for school district leaders are encouraged to review internship topics and activities for relevance in today's changing educational climate and programing. The National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards are research-based standards that have been approved to assist advanced programs at the master,…

The study aimed to explore Master of Education students' experiences in an accelerated online program, addressing whether course design and instructional practices met student expectations. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study collected data from 204 students through an online survey conducted from 2019 to 2023. The participants were…

The COVID pandemic was an unprecedented event declared a worldwide pandemic in March 2020, which caused a disruption among the graduate students and faculty instructors of colleges and universities nationwide. The purpose of this instrumental qualitative case study was to explore the challenges brought about by the phenomenon faced by faculty…

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of master of music education degree program directors and alumni from selected schools regarding the ways in which their music education master's programs balance the varied needs of program participants. Findings are presented in the two broad categories of improvement in P-12 teacher…

The past two decades have seen an overall increase in the number of students pursuing a graduate degree in the United States. Gaining a more nuanced understanding of how graduate students navigate the academic, personal, and professional challenges of post baccalaureate education will help programs better support them and ensure student success.…

Community-based service learning (CBSL) is a powerful pedagogical approach for teacher education and other service-oriented training programs that integrates meaningful community engagement with academic learning. Benefits of CBSL include enhancing teacher candidates' ability to connect theory with practice, cultivating reflective practitioners,…

Real-world experience is often considered subordinate to academic learning at the doctoral level. Lessons from experiential learning at the doctoral level show higher education can be equity-minded and focused on the needs of learners without sacrificing depth and quality even at the highest levels of educational attainment. Doctoral faculty…