Ines Guzman Drummond of Wayne, NJ has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at the College of Saint Elizabeth to earn an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
“The faculty and advisors provided exceptional support and guidance during my doctoral journey,” says Drummond. “The program supports the adult learner who works and who has a family. The focus on servant leadership has changed my educational philosophy and my administrative practice.”
The title of her dissertation is, “Educator’s Perception of Transition Process from Middle School to High School.” The purpose of her study was to identify major issues that educators face when working with students transitioning into high school. Her research was guided by these three questions: 1) How do the 8th and 9th grade core academic teachers and school counselors perceive informal practices in place to assist students in transitioning successfully to high school? 2) What are the perceived needs of 8th and 9th grade core academic teachers and school counselors that may impact students’ transition to high school? 3) What obstacles influence student transition to high school?
Drummond believed that examining the perceptions of school counselors and teachers would assist the school district in understanding the needs of freshman, and their input could be valuable in elevating issues, policies and obstacles.
Currently, Drummond is working as the district director of guidance for Dover Public Schools. However, she began her career as an elementary school teacher who transitioned into a school counselor. Drummond earned her bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University and two master’s: one in counseling from New Jersey City University and another in educational leadership from Saint Peter’s University.
Within the educational leadership doctoral program, CSE offers two tracks: Pre-K to 12th grade and higher education. The higher education track is part of CSE’s ED CHOICE program. ED CHOICE is a program, unique to the College of Saint Elizabeth, that allows students to choose whether to attend class on campus or complete coursework online depending on their individual schedules.
Mary Colleen Robinson has a communication degree with a concentration in journalism and is currently working as the PR/Social Media Specialist at the College of Saint Elizabeth.
