Date of Award
5-12-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Teaching and Curriculum
Advisor(s)
James Rolling, Jr.
Keywords
Art Education;Education;Isolation;Professional Development;Rural Schools;Singleton
Subject Categories
Education
Abstract
This dissertation documents the storied experiences of seven singleton art educators teaching in small rural school districts in the Central New York region. Participants shared their stories of working as lone art content teachers and the rewards and challenges of being a singleton educator. This phenomenological research study identifies the characteristics of the singleton phenomenon as experienced by those who live and work in this environment. Enlisting a narrative research approach of shared meaning making and phenomenological design, participants described their stories of singleton-ness through a three-interview process of data collection and group panel discussion. Participants identified several characteristics of the singleton phenomenon as well as skills they valued as necessary for successfully navigating a singleton teaching environment. Themes that emerged from participants’ stories include what to do when you don’t know what you don’t know, the dual role of autonomy (freedom and responsibility), and the challenges of being a self-reliant singleton. Participants identified that although they have developed skills and strategies that have helped them be more successful in their singleton teaching environment, they still want and need professional development opportunities that engage them in content knowledge learning and connect them to other professionals in their field. Singleton educators are common in small and rural districts. Additionally, with decreased enrollment in rural school districts and subsequent financial challenges, the number of singleton content educators across disciplines will likely increase. This study identified characteristics and skills that should be considered when planning professional development for singleton educators and provides recommendations for planning initiatives to serve the needs of singleton educators across disciplines.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Podsiedlik, Mary Arlene, "THE PHENOMENON OF THE SINGLETON EDUCATOR: EXPLORING ART TEACHERS EXPERIENCES AS SINGLETON TEACHERS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES" (2024). Dissertations - ALL. 1958.
https://surface.syr.edu/etd/1958
