Congratulations to Kelly Rudyk who on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, successfully defended her dissertation. The title of Kelly’s dissertation is: SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP CAPACITY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE SELECTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS.
This qualitative study investigated the capacity and involvement of special education leaders in the selection, development, and implementation of professional development programs for special education teachers. Recognizing the critical role that professional development plays in supporting educators who serve students with varied needs, the study aimed to uncover the nuanced perspectives and practices of special education leaders in this domain. Through semi-structured interviews, data was collected and analyzed to illuminate the perspectives and decision-making processes, challenges, and strategies employed by special education leaders in shaping professional development initiatives. The study sought to explore how leaders conceptualize their role in supporting teacher growth, the factors influencing their decisions regarding professional development opportunities, and the perceived impact of these initiatives on teacher practice and student outcomes.
By employing qualitative methods, this research pursued contextualized insights into the complex dynamics of special education leadership and professional development. The findings hold the potential to inform policy and practice by identifying effective approaches, barriers, and areas for improvement in the design and delivery of professional development programs for special education teachers. Furthermore, this qualitative inquiry identified opportunities to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of special education leaders and special education teachers in meeting the evolving needs of students with disabilities in schools.
Dissertation Committee Chair:
Dr. Kenneth Mitchell
Dissertation Committee Members:
Dr. Joanne Marien
Dr. Lynn Allen
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