Graduate Studies, UNL

 

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

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First Advisor

Xia Jiangang

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Committee Members

Aprille Phillips, Lorraine Males, Shavonna Holman

Department

Educational Leadership and Higher Education

Date of this Version

5-4-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Educational Leadership and Higher Education

Under the supervision of Professor Xia Jiangang

Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2026

Comments

Copyright 2026, Amanda Huebner. Used by permission

Abstract

This proposal examines the interrelationship between teacher professional development, collaborative planning time, and student academic achievement in rural middle schools. Drawing on data from a central Nebraska district, the study analyzes how targeted, job‑embedded professional learning and structured planning practices empower educators, reduce burnout, and increase engagement among seventh‑ and eighth‑grade students. Using an improvement‑science framework, the research seeks to inform systemic strategies that elevate both teacher efficacy and student outcomes.

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