Date Available

5-8-2014

Year of Publication

2014

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

College

Education

Department/School/Program

Educational Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Lars Björk

Second Advisor

Dr. Beth Rous

Abstract

Linda Darling-Hammond (1997) states that the classroom teacher is the most influential variable influencing student achievement outside of the child’s home environment. Many studies have attempted to identify the specific attributes of teachers who are more effective than others. During the last decade, research has shown that teachers who work to develop relationships, while delivering relevant and rigorous instruction, demonstrate greater student achievement.

Additional studies from the world of business tell us that those individuals with increased levels of emotional intelligence are better leaders, managers and salespersons, and are more frequently hired into those positions by large corporations. They are more likely to get along with peers, be promoted and demonstrate success when working with others. A similar relationship may exist in the field of education between teachers who exhibit increased levels of emotional and student academic achievement.

This pilot study investigated possible relationships between the academic performance of sixth grade math students and the emotional intelligence of their corresponding teachers through the use of descriptive statistics. Although no significant findings were established, the data provide a useful starting point for future queries into this construct.

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