Date Approved
8-18-2025
Embargo Period
8-18-2027
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Education
College
College of Education
Advisor
Shelley Zion, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Cecile Sam, PhD
Committee Member 2
Brianne, Morettini, Ph.D.
Disciplines
Education
Abstract
This qualitative study explores the educational journeys and experiences of culturally sustaining secondary English language arts teachers. Grounded in narrative inquiry methodology, this research examines factors and experiences that influenced educators to adopt culturally sustaining pedagogies and identifies the patterns that exist between the narratives of the culturally sustaining educators. The study used interviews and document analysis to construct narratives for five participants to provide context and better understand the way societal norms, values, and belief systems influence educators’ learning experiences and personal journeys. This narrative inquiry study shows how culturally sustaining educators perceive the needs and behaviors of their students and the role that critical reflection on life experiences can play in supporting ongoing growth and professional development.
Recommended Citation
Simmons, Jordana Elizabeth, "Beyond the Classroom: Narratives of Culturally Sustaining Educators" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3436.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3436
