Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Andrea Silverstein

Second Advisor

Dr. Susan G. HIcks

Third Advisor

Dr. Sarah J. Yates

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how specialized community college trade instructors' lived experiences influence classroom strategies, management, and teaching methods when educating incarcerated students at ABC Vocational School (ABCV), a college campus within a correctional setting. Grounded in social constructionism, the study examined how instructors develop professional knowledge through interactions with students, colleagues, and the institutional environment. Ten instructors with at least one year of experience teaching incarcerated students participated in semi-structured interviews conducted through Zoom. Interview transcripts were examined using descriptive coding and thematic analysis supported by manual procedures and Delve qualitative data analysis software. Five themes emerged: (a) educators learn and gain knowledge through professional development, personal growth, and industry relevance; (b) social construction and learning involve relationships, knowledge co-construction, and collaboration; (c) educators face frustrations and institutional challenges; (d) students learn and gain knowledge through teaching techniques, differentiated instruction, assessment, and engagement; and (e) the campus is a unique place shaped by its cultural context and trade-school atmosphere. The findings highlighted instructors' adaptability, supportive educator-student relationships, and the difficulty of delivering hands-on, industry-relevant education within correctional constraints. The study points to tailored faculty development, flexible institutional policies, and greater collaboration among colleges, correctional systems, and industry partners as opportunities to improve instructional practice. Because the research used a convenience sample at one institution, the findings provide context-specific insight rather than broadly generalizable conclusions.

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