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Access Type

WSU Access

Date of Award

January 2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Department

Educational Leadership and Policy

First Advisor

Rema Vassar

Abstract

ABSTRACT THE EFFECTS OF STUDENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BLACK WOMEN AND THEIR BLACK ADOLESCENT GIRLS ON ADULT OUTCOMES

by

MCKEA COOPER-MILLER

May 2025

Advisor: Dr. Rema VassarMajor: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Degree: Doctor of Education This qualitative research aimed to study the lives of Black girls who were taught by Black women educators. This study explores the mentorship experiences between Black women teachers and Black girls, examining how these relationships influenced their long-term success. Through kitchen table conversations and narrative analysis, this study highlighted how Black women teachers foster emotional resilience, academic achievement, community development, and overall well-being. This study revealed an emerging framework built on cultural pride, guidance, consistency, and life skills development, which all result in viable elements that contributed to the success of Black girls into adulthood. The results revealed that Black girls deeply value the lessons and support received from their Black women teachers, recognizing their lasting effectiveness. Similarly, Black women educators reflected on their classroom practices, often unaware at the time of the profound, lifelong effects they would have on their students. This study underscores the importance of mimicking these mentorship practices to serve as a foundation for improving academic and personal outcomes for Black girls today.

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