I am a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education at Western University, where I received the Art Geddis Learning about Teaching Award (2013-2014). Prior to this, I earned a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Caribbean University where I investigated elementary students’ perception of their mathematical abilities. I completed a Bachelor of Education Degree (Hons) in Primary Education at the University of the West Indies and a Diploma in Teaching at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College.

My research interests intersects professional development, teacher identity, adult learning and elementary mathematics education. My interest in the professional development of teachers stems from a teaching career of over 15 years in K-9, where I have experienced and observed the impact of professional development in empowering teachers and transforming student engagement.

My PhD research explores teachers’ conceptions of self-directed professional development in elementary mathematics education through the lens of phenomenography. Self-directed professional development is professional development that is teacher initiated, teacher driven and focuses on the teachers’ needs (Mushayikwa and Lubben, 2009). As an OCT certified teacher (primary-junior) in Ontario, I am excited to explore how elementary teachers’ are motivated to facilitate professional development and learning, in their quest to engage students in meaningful learning experiences.

I acknowledge the commitment and unwavering support of my supervisor Dr. Immaculate Namukasa and committee members Dr. Marianne Larsen and Dr. George Gadanidis.

Immaculate Kizito Namukasa, PhD

Supervisor