Joseph Weatherby-Teague is an E/LA teacher/ DEIJ coach at American School of Doha, Qatar.
Joseph is an English/Language Arts teacher at the American School of Doha, where he empowers middle school students to become critical and passionate readers and global citizens by teaching them skills for collaborative conversations and the ability to express themselves through various forms of writing. He designs learning experiences that encourage his students to analyze complex issues collaboratively. Joseph is also a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice coach. In this role, he works with students, faculty, school leaders, parents, and the broader community to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable school.
Joseph was drawn to LMU's Ed.D. program because of its focus on social justice and its ability to help him create transformational equity. The flexibility of the program also allowed him to complete the coursework from outside the U.S.
His dissertation, Rooted in Justice: International School Teachers’ Perceptions of Professional Development, explored teachers' perspectives on social justice-oriented professional development and its implementation in international school settings. His findings about the need to support transformational professional development within a larger justice-rooted system will drive his future research and advocacy. His research has already informed his work as a DEIJ coach and a teacher, which will only become stronger in the future.
Participation in the program has transformed Joseph's professional and personal life. He discovered his voice in advocating for justice and learned the dispositions, skills, and knowledge required to be considered an expert in the field. He will continue to leverage this growth to positively impact education in international schools.
Joseph appreciated the support and encouragement from his cohorts and from his dissertation chair, Dr. Mary McCullough, for her unwavering support and wise mentorship. He would also like to thank his students for their interest and encouragement throughout his dissertation journey. He thanks his wife, Mary, for always believing in him, even when he didn't. Lastly, he thanks his young son and daughter for their patience while he worked to get his "dissertation job."