Date of Conferral

5-22-2025

Date of Award

5-22-2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Michael Brewer

Abstract

Student homelessness is an issue affecting Polk County Public Schools in Central Florida. It is important to address this problem to equip teachers with the skills necessary to recognize its signs. The practice-focused questions included: How familiar are teachers with student homelessness, and what should be done to help those students? The purpose of this administrative study was to explore teachers’ awareness of student homelessness and identify strategies to support affected students. The conceptual design for this study was based on environmental scanning, needs assessment, and strategic planning. A survey was sent out through email to over 100 teachers at a Central Florida high school and 22 teachers responded. The analytical strategy used in this study was a qualitative survey analysis. From the survey responses and coding, six themes emerged including teachers’ understanding of homelessness, how many students are homeless in their class, economics, family breakdown, health problems, and educational challenges. The result of the study was to aid in developing an outline for a training module to support teachers in identifying students experiencing housing instability. The conclusion of the study indicated a need for a training module for teachers. The implications for public administrative practice include policy development, increased funding for student homelessness, improving inclusion for this underrepresented population, and accountability. A training module could promote positive social change for both educators and students by providing teachers with tools to identify student homelessness and connect those in need with essential support.

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