Callie Causey
934 Maple Street Alexander City
Summary
Title: A Phenomenological Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Mentors Supporting Novice Principals
Methodology: Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenology
Purpose: This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of mentors who support novice principals within structured mentoring programs. The research explores how mentors describe their role in fostering professional development, emotional wellbeing, leadership identity formation, and resilience among newly appointed school leaders.
Conceptual Framework:
- Kram’s mentoring functions (career and psychosocial support)
- Mertz’s intent and involvement mentoring framework
- Seligman’s PERMA model of wellbeing
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
4th Grade Math Teacher
Coosa County Board of Education
Rockford
06.2024 - Current
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Randolph County Board Of Education
Wedowee
07.2022 - 06.2024
Kindergarten Teacher
Alexander City Board of Education
Alexander City
07.2021 - 06.2022
Assistant Principal
Tallapoosa County Board of Education
Dadeville
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Collaborated with teachers to develop curriculum and instructional strategies, resulting in improved student learning outcomes.
- Coordinated student discipline initiatives, promoting positive behavior across the school.
- Assisted in evaluating teacher performance through classroom observations and constructive feedback.
- Managed communication among parents, faculty, and administration to keep all stakeholders informed about student progress.
- Oversaw school events, aligning organization with educational goals to foster community engagement and support.
- Implemented safety protocols to ensure a secure learning environment for students.
ARI Reading Coach
Coosa County Board of education
Rockford
09.2017 - 07.2020
- Facilitated professional development workshops on effective reading techniques for staff.
- Facilitated professional development activities focused on improving reading comprehension strategies.
- Coached teachers on differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs effectively.
- Developed resource materials that empowered teachers to enhance literacy skills.
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate reading strategies into lesson plans.
- Analyzed data to identify improvement areas in reading instruction.
1st -3rd Elementary School Teacher
Coosa County Board of Education
Rockford
07.1999 - 07.2020
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership
Auburn University
Auburn, AL08-2026
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
Auburn University
Auburn, AL08-2018
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Auburn University
Auburn, AL08-2016
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Behavior management
- Instructional leadership
- Professional development and instructional coaching
- Parent communication
Research Interests
- Principal mentoring and leadership development
- Leadership identity formation in novice principals
- Educational leadership resilience and wellbeing
- Principal retention and leadership sustainability
- Positive psychology in educational leadership
- Instructional leadership and school improvement
Timeline
4th Grade Math Teacher
Coosa County Board of Education
06.2024 - Current
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Randolph County Board Of Education
07.2022 - 06.2024
Kindergarten Teacher
Alexander City Board of Education
07.2021 - 06.2022
Assistant Principal
Tallapoosa County Board of Education
07.2020 - 06.2021
ARI Reading Coach
Coosa County Board of education
09.2017 - 07.2020
1st -3rd Elementary School Teacher
Coosa County Board of Education
07.1999 - 07.2020
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership
Auburn University
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
Auburn University
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Auburn University