Term
Summer 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAT
Facilitator(s)
Shelley Orr and Karen L. Moroz
Content Expert
Wayne Terry
Abstract
This capstone explores how a structured professional development program can create greater unity and mutual understanding among educators by framing the school as a “second home” comparable to a parent household. The project developed from observations of division, dissatisfaction, and strained relationships among educators and considers how these dynamics can influence school culture and the stability students experience. Key influences included research on child development, home and school stability, teacher well-being, professional relationships, and effective professional development. Research from Darling-Hammond and Cook-Harvey (2018) emphasized the importance of emotional and physical safety, supportive adult relationships, and belonging for student development, while Silinskas and Kikas (2022) demonstrated the interconnected roles of home and school environments in supporting children. Additional research on teacher stress, job satisfaction, collaboration, and professional development helped establish the importance of supporting educators in order to create healthier school environments. The method of study consisted of a literature review followed by the development of an eight-hour professional development program designed primarily for Minnesota secondary schools experiencing challenges with teacher satisfaction and retention. The program uses guided discussions, collaborative activities, anonymous surveys, reflection, and continued check-ins throughout the school year to identify concerns within school culture and encourage educators and administrators to develop solutions together. The findings suggest that stability, consistency, emotional security, supportive relationships, and belonging are important across both home and school environments and that educators play a significant role in providing these conditions for students. Ultimately, this capstone concludes that strengthening teacher relationships, collaboration, well-being, and shared responsibility through intentional professional development has the potential to create a more unified school culture and a more stable and supportive environment for students.
Project Type
Professional Development
Keywords
Adult Education, Staff Development, Teachers/ Teaching
Recommended Citation
Duncan, Christian, "Framing Schools as a Second Home for Children" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1215.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1215
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects