This dissertation applies cognitive load theory to teacher working conditions in New York City. To connect small-scale cognitive processes with perennial organization-level effects, the theoretical components of this paper develop a novel framework. Load reduction leadership (LRL) illuminates how day-to-day school operations impact staff members'…

This dissertation explores the phenomenon of burnout among teachers of special education students in rural schools, focusing on understanding the factors that contribute to burnout and the strategies that can mitigate its effects. The study used a qualitative research design to interview teachers from a rural Board of Cooperative Educational…

As presented in the qualitative research study, women represent only 27% of all 14,000 superintendents nationally (American Association of School Administrators [AASA], 2020) and 30% in New York State (NYS Council of School Superintendents [NYSCOSS], Snapshot IX, 2015). This study was based on a qualitative description design, in which the…

This qualitative study of a sample of 13 female school business officials in the southeastern region of New York offers evidence that female school business officials perceive the presence of gender bias and stereotyping in their profession. The study's findings align with Acker's (1990, 1992a) theoretical assertion that gender inequality is…

Sadly, teacher job satisfaction has been recently depicted as a "portrait of broad teacher discontent" (Phi Delta Kappa, 2019, p. k3), negatively impacting teachers' well-being and retention. This study employed a mixed-methodological approach, composed of: (1) an exploratory factor analysis of participant responses to the Teacher Job…

This interpretive phenomenological study explored the lived experience of rural high school principals in New York State and developed an understanding of why they choose to remain in their role as school leaders. The study answered two research questions: "What role, if any, does self-efficacy play in the sustainability of rural high school…

The purpose of this study was to investigate employer perspective on augmenting work experiences for individuals with disabilities in the workplace through a qualitative case study approach. This study utilized two specific workplaces that are structured, have core values, are mission-driven and support individuals with differing abilities. The…

Job performance may be adversely affected by stress. Job stress is a primary contributor to serious physical and emotional health consequences. This quantitative study examined adult literacy program administrator perceptions of occupational stress and coping mechanisms related to job satisfaction, job efficacy, career longevity, and overall…

Teacher retention is a concern in all educational sectors in America. It is of special importance to Islamic schools, which tend to lack the resources necessary in recruiting and training new teachers. This dissertation addressed this problem in full-time Islamic schools in New York State by conducting a discrete choice experiment, which reflects…

Principals are being asked to create optimal learning conditions that will "lead to improved results for students, long-term gains in school system capacity, and increased productivity and effectiveness" (RTTT, 2009). The purpose of this study was to examine the professional development offered to and sought by experienced principals and…

The experiences of Seventh-day Adventist students at secular universities was examined. Seven women and two men attending universities in Michigan and New York were interviewed. The researcher employed a heuristically guided phenomenological method to get rich descriptions of the participants' experiences in the secular university setting.…