Educational reform and teacher well-being are at the forefront of discussions and one recent graduate of the College of Education & Human Development at the 推荐杏吧原创, has her sights on making a significant impact on the future of education. Stephanie Bacon, Ph.D., who completed her doctorate in Education with a focus on Literacy Studies this winter, is passionate about understanding the complexities of great teaching and promoting social and emotional competence among educators.
"My passion lies in supporting teachers in accessing their highest potential through social and emotional development," Bacon explained. "This competency not only fosters career success and satisfaction but also enhances relationships with students. Teachers who are socially and emotionally well can create and maintain quality relationships, even through challenges."
Through her research, she has completed two significant projects focused on the complex role teacher dispositions and interactions play in student outcomes. She stresses the importance of teachers' emotional intelligence in achieving academic success, noting that students thrive when teachers are equipped to manage their own emotional health and build supportive, meaningful connections in the classroom. Bacon also was honored with the Shane and Katherine Templeton Outstanding Doctoral Student in Literacy Award in April 2024.
Bacon’s journey toward completing her doctorate was not without challenges. Balancing a full-time job, raising two teenagers and pursuing advanced education was a constant juggling act. "The worst part was that I didn’t have much time to form relationships with other students or staff," she admits. "When times got tough, I wanted to quit, but there was always one student or teacher who would give me just enough of a boost to keep going."
Along the way, Bacon received invaluable support from faculty members who guided her through the ups and downs of her academic journey. Dianna Townsend, Ed.D., professor of Literacy Studies, in particular, was instrumental during the final phases of her doctoral program. "Dr. Townsend is energetic and empathetic," she said. "She has a unique ability to hold space for imperfection while maintaining academic rigor. Even when I wasn't at my best, she recognized what I had done well and gently showed me a way forward."
Townsend also reflected on her appreciation of Bacon. “She has an unwavering commitment to supporting teachers as they navigate the best ways to help students with histories of reading difficulty,” said Townsend. “She is a true expert in the social and emotional lives of teachers, and she will provide empathetic leadership that helps teachers make sustained differences in their students’ lives.”
Other faculty members, such as Markus Kemmelmeier, Ph.D., vice provost for Graduate Education, and Fares Karam, Ph.D., associate professor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), were also pivotal in supporting her academic progress. "Dr. Kemmelmeier helped me through a transition in advisors, taking the time to understand the situation and ensure resolution," Bacon said. "Dr. Karam filled gaps in my qualitative research skills, always providing resources and support with kindness."
Despite the challenges, she found that her perseverance paid off, as her research into social and emotional learning (SEL) in education aligns with her professional goals. "We are investing billions in SEL for students, but the research shows that it’s most effective when delivered authentically by teachers who practice these skills themselves," Bacon said. She now aims to bridge the gap between educational policymakers and classroom educators, with a focus on helping teachers develop the resilience they are asked to instill in students.
Looking to the future, Bacon plans to either work with an existing SEL organization or create her own consultation and training platform for SEL implementation in schools. Her dedication to teacher well-being and commitment to improving educational outcomes for both students and educators positions her to be a key advocate in the field.
As Bacon reflected on her academic journey, she emphasized the importance of social and emotional skills in education, particularly for teachers. With her research and future career path, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the education system, ensuring that teachers have the tools they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. The work Stephanie Bacon has done and will do embodies The Wolf Pack Way.
