I am grateful to my family, especially my husband Antwine and my four children, Quintarius, Amanda, Kavaris, and Antwine Jr., for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my academic journey. Herbie, my youngest child, uplifted my spirits with his endearing nickname, "Dr.Mom," during moments of low motivation. My sister and friend Brenda also provided emotional support when I faced frustration and difficulty.Throughout the educational journey, my family provided me with constant reminders of their pride in my academic pursuits. Without their unwavering support, I would not have been able to achieve my educational goals. Their consistent encouragement and guidance were instrumental in my success. I'd like to express my gratitude to my team at Northeastern University (NEU) for their invaluable contributions to this project. My DiP chair, Dr. Nolan, my second reader, Dr. McNabb, professors, and cohort members challenged me to delve deeper into the research and provided unwavering support throughout my educational journey.Building strong relationships was crucial to my academic success. I connected with an amazing group of people who provided unwavering support throughout the program. Judy, Madi, and Melissa were particularly helpful, and I can't imagine completing this project without them. I encourage anyone in a doctoral program to prioritize building connections with their cohort, as it can provide invaluable support.Finally, my New Hope Public School (NHPS) team provided exceptional support throughout this project. Despite my initial apprehension, the educators showed remarkable passion and dedication toward the research study. Through their lived experiences, they actively engaged in the work, assumed leading roles, and remained committed to achieving equitable education for all students. Witnessing their participation and contribution to this cause filled me with immense joy. I am grateful for the opportunity to embark on this journey with such a dedicated and experienced group.
DedicationNurturing my children has profoundly taught me the importance of love and affection, inspiring me to explore my inner self and strive towards a fulfilling life. This dissertation pays tribute to this invaluable journey, and I dedicate it to my four children, Quintarius, Amanda, Kavaris, and Antwine Jr., as a symbol of my life's work of serving others.