Dissertation Defenses

Doctoral Dissertation Announcement

---

Candidate: Bobbi Morehead

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

Title: Exposing Star Teachers of Children in Poverty

Committee:
Dr. Patricia Reeves, Chair
Dr. Louann Bierlein-Palmer
Dr. Nancy Van-Kannel Ray

Date: Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3208 Sangren Hall

Abstract:
Public Schools do control whom they hire to serve as teachers. When quality teachers are hired, all students have a better chance at achieving academic success. It is the responsibility of every public school principal to truly understand common patterns, which lead teachers to be Star Teachers. It is also the principals’ responsibility to make sure the work conditions of star teachers are conducive to personal and professional renewal. Administrators may have the influence and ability to impact the work environment for Star Teachers to help keep them excited and energized as they continue the difficult task of educating all of America’s children regardless of the level of difficulty.
The passion to educate all children drives the following research questions:
1. How do Star Teachers describe the significant factors, events and people that have shaped them as educators and people?
2. How do Star Teachers describe who they are now as teachers?
3. What do Star Teachers need to maintain quality education?
The purpose of this qualitative study is to further describe performing Star Teachers of children in poverty as well as to better understand how administrators can support those teachers of children in poverty both professionally and personally (Merriam, 1998). The phenomenological study will describe and analyze star teachers who work in the Battle Creek Public School District.