Dr. Aliya Homes | Unlock the Teacher

Today our 2027 Research Team came together to officially begin the next phase of our work. Today marks the launch of the culminating year of a three-year research journey focused on leadership, professional learning, school culture, and teacher retention.

This meaningful work draws on a strong framework of diverse experience, perspective, and expertise around the table. As 1 Corinthians 12:12 reminds us, many members form one body. In the same way, many voices can strengthen the work and help us see more clearly what PK-12 school leaders and educators need.

Over the coming months, our work will move forward in two connected ways. We will continue gathering, analyzing, and integrating research as we prepare our study for presentation and peer review at the Oxford Education Research Symposium in March 2027. At the same time, we will begin translating that evidence into a manuscript designed to provide school leaders with practical strategies, examples, reflection, and guidance for intentionally creating and sustaining positive school cultures.

I am grateful for the wisdom, experience, and commitment this team brings to the work, and I am excited about where this research may lead as we seek to contribute something both scholarly and useful to Catholic school leaders and the educators they serve.

Oxford Education Research Symposium | 2027 Research Team

Building School Cultures Where Educators Thrive

Joy Roberts, Ed.D. + Christina Mendez-Hall + Denise Ball, Ed.D + Anita Harkins-Mehsling + Karina Lepkowski + Aliya Holmes, Ph.D. + Lynsie Reavis + Amanda Zingone + Dr. Nicci Dowd + Michael T. O’Connor, Ph.D. + Dr. LaTonya Rayford White + Jim Rigg =A Dynamic TEAM!