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. Rosalind S. Goodrich
Second Advisor
Dr. Thomas J. Gollery
Third Advisor
Dr. Sarah J. Yates
Abstract
The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative study was to examine the relationship betweenteacher leadership behaviors and teacher influences on academic motivation amongst students currently enrolled in vocational education and training (VET) programs in the State of Florida. Grounded in Robert House’s Path-Goal Leadership Theory, the study investigated how specific leadership behaviors impact student motivation within VET settings. While research on leadership and student motivation is extensive in general education, limited empirical attention has been given to how these variables interact in the context of VET. Utilizing a quantitative survey design distributed online, data was collected from students across multiple VET institutions. Results of this study revealed statistically significant positive correlations between both directive and supportive leadership behaviors and student academic motivation. These findings suggest that teacher leadership behavior plays a meaningful role in shaping student motivation in VET programs. Findings from this study aim to contribute to the growing discourse on teacher leadership in specialized learning environments and offer practical implications for teacher development. Implications for teacher training, policy development, and strategies to enhance student motivation and institutional success were discussed.
Recommended Citation
Boyd, Genna B., "PATH-GOAL LEADERSHIP THEORY: AN EXAMINATION OF TEACHER LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR AND TEACHER MOTIVATIONAL INFLUENCE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION STUDENTS" (2025). Doctor of Education (Ed.D). 179.
https://firescholars.seu.edu/coe/179