Chapel School Teacher Successfully Defends Dissertation

Bronxville, NY - Dr. Matthew Martinez, Ed.D. successfully defended his dissertation entitled "Well-Being: An Intrinsic Framework for Teacher Longevity" on April 20, 2021. The defense was held virtually and presented to a committee from the education department at Concordia University, St. Paul. Dr. Martinez's research aims to help organizations provide well-being opportunities for all individuals to flourish and thrive personally and professionally. His dissertation recruited participants with ten or more years of teaching experience to explore how their well-being has impacted their decision to remain in the profession.

Dr. Martinez concluded his defense by stating: "Our schools are entrusted with precious human capital, and we must provide well-being opportunities for all individuals to thrive. Educators will be at the forefront of a trauma-responsive classroom to begin a shift towards healing through posttraumatic growth for all stakeholders in response to the pandemic." Future research endeavors will look into longevity and burnout not only in teachers but also in students and caregivers, especially as pandemic recovery efforts occur. “I know that others get their doctorates, but this is especially relevant because of his adaptability to the pandemic and the relevance to the field of teaching,” stated Mr. Michael Schultz, Principal, The Chapel School.

“When I came to my classroom the day after defending my dissertation, to my surprise, the students had changed the M' in Mr. to a 'D', it was wonderful to feel all the support from my students,” stated Dr. Martinez.

Dr. Martinez serves as the Director of Technology at The Chapel School in Bronxville. In 2019, He also returned to his first passion as a middle school science teacher. He enjoys incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards and infusing his tech expertise in TCMS Science Lab.

He is also a skilled pianist and is holding a benefit concert on May 23 at Village Lutheran Church to raise funds for The Chapel School Pandemic Relief Campaign. Tickets are limited and available to purchase online at https://tinyurl.com/may23piano

The Chapel School is located at 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville. For more information about The Chapel School please visit: www.TheChapelSchool.org