Educator isolation in middle school encore content areas : a case study

This isolation case study centers around five encore educators in a middle school. These educators provide daily instruction in their specific content area; art, home economics, computers/technology, PE (Physical Education), and orchestra. The organizational structure enhances a sense of isolation among these educators. Previous studies have addressed teacher isolation by content area, but studies have not thoroughly examined this issue within the entire encore department. Research was conducted using a single case study design to understand the lived experiences of five encore educators and whether and how they navigate isolation in their daily professional lives. The recurring themes identified are choosing moments of isolation during their workday, building design, and physical separation. The educators discussed navigating isolation by forming connections with middle school staff, students, and colleagues in the same field in different buildings. These interactions were crucial in helping them cope with the isolating aspects of their roles. The findings highlight that isolation is not an inherently bad concept; it can sometimes be desired by educators. The educators in this study had the strongest connections with the students they instructed. The participants suggested that structural changes in school design and scheduling could help reduce isolation. Realistic recommendations for encore teachers would include more meeting opportunities and creating more opportunities at the collegiate level for these content areas to have more courses together.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Leadership and Policy (MU)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Columbia

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Wright, Daniel Jamyle

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Morris, Casandra Harper

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32469/10355/105947

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/105947