Semester of Graduation
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Educational Leadership Ed.D
Department
Educational Leadership Department
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Albert Jimenez
Second Advisor
Dr. Sheryl Croft
Third Advisor
Dr. Nicolas Clegorne
Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study explored teachers' lived experiences implementing student wellness initiatives in the classroom and examined their views on how these initiatives affected student engagement and behavior. In this study, participants had the opportunity to express their views on implementing wellness practices in the classroom and on how these initiatives impacted student engagement and behavior. The research was guided by theoretical frameworks related to wellness, emotional and social intelligence, and relational perspectives. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were the primary data source, and interview notes will serve as secondary data. This study addressed three research questions: (1) What are teachers' lived experiences of wellness implemented in the classroom? (2) How do teachers describe student engagement when wellness is implemented in the classroom? (3) How do teachers describe student behavior when wellness is implemented in the classroom? Throughout this study, value was placed on teachers’ lived experiences of wellness, including how it was implemented and its impact on student engagement and behavior.
Keywords
wellness, engagement, and student behavior
Included in
Educational Leadership Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Elementary Education and Teaching Commons