Since the 2019-2020 school year, the number of students attending grades K-12 entirely online has steadily increased. With over 20,000 Texas students now attending school virtually, there is an increasing demand for specialized teacher training programs designed specifically for the virtual learning environment.
Recognizing this need, Dr. Mishnick initiated a research project to enhance professional development opportunities for online educators.
Dr. Mishnick was awarded a $52,133 grant by the Sid W. Richardson Foundation to establish a professional development conference designed for K-12 online educators. The conference will offer teachers valuable training on effective online learning practices while also serving as a collaborative professional learning community for educators and leaders in virtual schools.
Dr. Mishnick will conduct research to evaluate the conference’s impact on teachers’ self-efficacy and classroom practices. The initiative aims to establish a sustainable and scalable model for teacher training that can be replicated in future years, encouraging a community of educators committed to continuous improvement and student success. The study will also analyze the effectiveness of the online conference and contribute to the growing body of research on educators’ professional development.
Dr. Mishnick is leading the way in educational innovation by helping K-12 teachers adapt to the digital age. This initiative gives educators the tools and support they need to succeed in virtual classrooms, which will enhance learning and long-term excellence in online education.