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Marsha R. Martin Kerr Ed.D., is a 2025 graduate of the Ed.D. program in Educational and Professional Practice at Antioch University.
Dissertation Committee:
Tony Kashani, Ph.D., Committee Chair
Gary Delanoeye, Ed.D., Committee Member
Emiliano Gonzalez, Ph.D., Committee Member
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
This sequential explanatory mixed-method design study aims to understand and identify educator experiences and beliefs and how they affect equitable pedagogy with multilingual learners(MLLs) in rural K-12 public schools today. The research questions the significance of equitable pedagogy, systems, and resistances instructing MLLs to create dialogue supporting educator self-awareness, critical thinking, and collaboration while supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultivating a positive school climate through multicultural education. The theoretical framework threads social learning theory through psychological mechanisms of observance and behavior from others, and social theory examines educational institutions through sociological perspectives and methodologies. These theories support teaching and learning while culturally diverse perspectives and experiences build dialogue toward a more inclusive learning environment. The literature review includes rural educator challenges today, pedagogical approaches, and resistance toward MLLs. The methodological approach blends and analyzes trends and patterns of educators through an online quantitative survey and qualitative in-person interview test instruments. Based on a power analysis, a test population included thirty-one educators randomly selected for the study and six participants selected for in-person interviews. The research proposed, tested, and explained educator beliefs through a shift in a traditional education paradigm, systematic understanding, and social change required for equitable pedagogy and MLLs. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).
Recommended Citation
Kerr, M. R. (2025). Educator Equity and Pedagogy: Multilingual Learners in Rural Schools. https://aura.antioch.edu/edd/3
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Commons
Comments
ORCID No. 0009-0002-0839-1475
Bio: Dr. Kerr is an Ohio licensed secondary school educator, scholar-practitioner with over four decades of servant leadership working with youth and family within rural and urban education communities. Through a unique professional and academic career, paired with vast cultural life experiences, she engages in continued self-growth moving further beyond the boundaries of social justice into a deeper more comprehensive scholarship addressing injustice, transformation and equity through systems thinking and shared dialogue.
Dr. Kerr’s non-traditional academic journey includes an EdD in Educational and Professional Practice focus on Social Justice, Self-Designed from Antioch University. In addition, she obtained a Master of Arts degree in Education and Ohio Professional Teaching Licensure within English Literature and Social Studies, specifically, in multicultural education and linguistics. Her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Classical Literature were both obtained from Antioch University Midwest and AUM School of Education in Ohio. She represented AUM with Ohio State Senator’s office in Propel Ohio in part to eradicate school hunger, Received accommodations pioneering innovative education programs through Ohio State Representatives and The Ohio State University Extension.
Earlier professional career includes a degree in Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences with certification through the Ohio Police Officers Training Academy in Law Enforcement serving the community through public and private health and safety sectors with instruction. She owns and operates a family Ag business creating avenues for education opportunity, advocating, promoting food literacy and equity within the agricultural food system.
Dr. Kerr’s last 10 years include work in school administration, classroom instruction, in urban and rural districts, working with educators and refugee multilinguistic learners (MLLs). She finds her journey in constant motion, moving farther down a vast road described best by author Robert Frost, not always easy, yet creating an awakening, providing her strength, commitment, and sense of responsibility to leave behind described by Horace Mann, victory for humanity, and considers herself forever Antiochian.