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Dissertation
Examining the effectiveness of a teaching academy at the high school level
University of West Florida Libraries
Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida
2025
Abstract
The United States faces a critical teacher shortage, prompting the development of high school teaching academies to recruit, prepare, and retain future educators (Wright, 2020). This study used Stake’s (1983) responsive evaluation model to assess the effectiveness of the Principles of Teaching Academy at Cook High School in Florida. Pseudonyms were used for anonymity. The evaluation examined key characteristics, practices, and deliverables that influenced students to pursue teacher education programs in college.
A literature review revealed extensive research on teaching academies at the postsecondary level but little focus on high school programs. This study addressed that gap by analyzing data from 42 participants, including students, academy teachers, the director, guidance counselors, and administrators. Data collection included surveys, field notes, interviews, and stakeholder engagement. Member checking ensured the credibility and accuracy of findings.
Key themes emerged: Characteristics included teacher enthusiasm, engaging instruction, and experiential learning; Practices involved dual enrollment, scheduling conflicts, standardized testing, and workload; Deliverables focused on funding and certification testing. Study limitations included limited stakeholder participation, time constraints, and the need for skilled evaluators.
Recommendations included increasing internship access, reducing scheduling conflicts, optimizing teacher workload, enhancing common planning time, securing additional funding, and evaluating the effectiveness of GMetrix test preparation software. Findings were shared with stakeholders through a PowerPoint presentation and email, providing insights for potential program improvements.
Details
- Title
- Examining the effectiveness of a teaching academy at the high school level
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Contributors
- Mark H Roltsch (Committee Member) - University of West Florida, School of EducationMark Malisa (Committee Chair) - University of West Florida, School of Education
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 186
- Copyright
- Unpublished work © Mary Lynn Dembinski
- Identifiers
- 99381356972206600
- Academic Unit
- School of Education
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Doctor of Education (EDD)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida