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Laurie Etta Reif 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

Richard Kahn, Ph.D., Committee Member

Gary Delanoeye, Ed.D., Committee Member

Keywords

indigenous, colonized education systems, decolonize, principals, bullying, teachers, education, public school teachers, autoethnography

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This paper tells my story within the realm of public education, particularly focusing on the interactions between teachers and the principals overseeing their schools. Grounded in social context, this autoethnography explores the challenges in these relationships while offering insights into best practices for fostering constructive engagement between educators and administrators. The discussion highlights my struggles with the power dynamics that are prevalent in public schools. Through my story, informed by Indigenous Women’s Research Theory and storytelling methodologies, this dissertation recounts experiences of harassment and intimidation I encountered across multiple school settings. The narrative is an analysis of existing resources and practices, offering potential answers. By integrating personal reflection, empirical research, and Indigenous Women’s perspectives, this dissertation serves as a call to action for educators and policymakers alike, urging a reevaluation of hierarchical structures within public schools and advocating for the prioritization of teachers’ well-being. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Comments

ORCID No. 0009-0001-0815-7243

Bio: Laurie E. Reif is a middle school teacher living in Washington State. Throughout her life, Laurie has focused on advocacy for others. This dissertation is advocacy for herself. Having been a victim of harassment and bias through the hands of public school administrators, the time came for her to fully advocate and expose the colonized views that possibly led to the poor treatment she endured. Laurie has approximately thirty years of involvement in education and community work and commitment to pow wows and cultural events throughout Washington State. She has a strong commitment to personal growth and wellness. She has Indigenous ancestry tied to the Colville, Sauk-Suiattle, Umatilla, Yakama, and Nez Perce peoples from the Nanamkin and Simpson family which her mother comes from. She also has Austrian and German heritage she gets through the Kanzleiter family. Laurie has also spoken openly about the value of cultural connection and resilience. She is a graduate of Antioch First Peoples’ Program based out of Muckleshoot Tribal College, graduating with a bachelor's and master's Degree focusing on Indigenous studies. She earned her teaching certificate through that program. She is proudly married to Michael Reif, mother to Danielle Mann, Val Scriven, and Tyler Sison. She is grandmother to Izabelle and Alora. Laurie is deeply committed to social and ecological justice and considers herself a social and ecological justice warrior. It is her honor to earn this degree from Antioch.

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