Dissertation Competitions

NASSP holds two competitions for dissertations focused on leadership research at the middle and high school levels. Competitions are open to doctoral students who have completed and successfully defended their dissertation between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

NASSP seeks to recognize outstanding research that builds on NASSP’s long standing tradition of supporting best middle level and high school leadership practices. NASSP recognizes the value of scholarship that contributes to the body of knowledge for improvement of educational leadership practice.

Each award winner will receive:

• Complimentary 1-year NASSP membership
• Cash award of $1,000 (member) or $500 (non-member)
• Commemorative plaque
• Press release to a local community newspaper
• The opportunity to have their research findings published

Candidates must submit a completed application and dissertation abstract. Deadline for both dissertation competitions is midnight, January 8, 2010.

Submit an Application

Questions about the competitions should be directed to Carolyn Glascock, glascockc@principals.org or (800)-253-7746 ext.202

 2009 Dissertation Award Winners

Joni L. Swanson, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Geneseo CUSD #228 in Geneseo, Illinois. Her dissertation, An Analysis of the Impact of High School Dual Enrollment Course Participation on Post-secondary Academic Success, Persistence and Degree Completion, examines the impact of high school students’ participation in dual enrollment courses upon college persistence and degree attainment.

Gregory W. Mees, Assistant Principal at Liberty High School in Liberty, Missouri. His dissertation analyzes the relative impact of transformational leadership and school culture on student achievement. His research is titled The Relationships among Principal Leadership, School Culture, and Student Achievement in Missouri Middle Schools.