Dissertation Competitions

Each year, NASSP holds two competitions for dissertations focused on leadership research at the middle and high school levels. Through these competitions, NASSP seeks to recognize outstanding research that builds on the association's tradition of supporting best middle level and high school leadership practices for school leaders.

Dr. Ted Sizer (Photo courtesy of CES website)

NASSP is proud to announce that it has renamed the dissertation award program in memory of Dr. Ted Sizer, who dedicated his life to the education of all students. Dr. Sizer is perhaps best known as the founder of the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES). His work in the development of schools and school leaders makes this dedication particularly appropriate as NASSP recognizes the outstanding research of educators.

The 2011 Dr. Ted Sizer Dissertation Awards are open to doctoral students who have completed and successfully defended their dissertation between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

Each award winner will receive:

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

Candidates must submit a completed application and dissertation abstract. Deadline for candidate applications is midnight, January 10, 2011.

Submit an Application

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

The 2010 NASSP Dr. Ted Sizer High School and Middle Level Dissertation Award Winners
Dr. Gretchen Oltman, an English teacher at Lincoln East High School in Lincoln, NE, has won the High School Dissertation Award. Her research, Dealing with Student Violent Writing in the English Classroom: A Framework for Public School Administrators, is intended to assist public school administrators dealing with student violent writing in response to a classroom assignment.
Dr. Richard E. Drolet, principal of North Cumberland Middle School in Cumberland, RI, has won the Middle School Dissertation Award. His research, Meeting Increased Common Planning Time Requirements: A Case Study of Middle Schools in Three Rhode Island Districts, analyzes how middle schools can properly prepare and train their teachers to use more common planning time most effectively.