Dr. Robert Schliessman

Signature Pathway

A PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH STUDY EXAMINING THE ROLE OF THE FIFTH GRADE TEACHER IN ADVISORY PROGRAMS AND THE PERCEIVED IMPACT ON TEACHER AND STUDENT AGENCY AND CAPABILITY

Research has shown a direct connection between social and emotional learning in school and the overall well-being and academic success of students (Zins & Elias, 2007). The purpose of this participatory action research study was to examine how classroom teachers experience the shift in their roles as instructors to acquire expertise in the added role of teacher-advisor. Additionally, this study sought to determine whether teachers perceived their students exhibiting greater agency as a result of engagement with the classroom-based advisory program provided by these teacher-advisors. Through the lens of social cognitive theory, the researcher considered and analyzed the data obtained from interviews, observations, and journaling. The key findings of this study revealed that teacher participants felt that an important change occurred as they began to get to know their students’ social and emotional needs and learned how to support their students in non-academic settings. Teachers saw a change in most of their students regarding their social and emotional capabilities from the beginning of the advisory program launch to the end. The most important implication from the data lies in the methodological design of participatory action research, which allowed for personal reflection, personal learning, and growth as the participant/observer. This study contributes to closing the research gap by including advisory groups as one way to involve classroom teachers in proactively addressing students’ social and emotional well-being at the elementary level.

Rob Schliessman began his career in education in 2005 at PS 334, The Anderson School in Manhattan. Here, he was the Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director. In 2011, he transitioned into the position of Assistant Principal in the same school. In 2017, he accepted a position as an Assistant Principal in a suburban elementary school in New York. Throughout his career in education, Rob has also been involved in the growth and success of middle school sports in NYC, serving as the current commissioner of the Middle School Athletic League. Rob is committed to fostering the growth of education, teacher development, and interscholastic programs. He is passionate about student mental health and well-being.