Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education Policy, Planning, and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Matthew J. Kruger-Ross, PhD

Committee Member

Kathleen Riley, PhD

Committee Member

Paul Sylvester, PhD

Abstract

This study uses Black Feminist Autoethnography to examine the systemic inequities that persist in K-12 education for Black women educators within a merit-based pay system. Through self-exploration utilizing the data collection tools of journal entries, audio recordings, and self-led interviews, the author examines the impact of identity, particularly race and gender, on teacher compensation and the ability to navigate merit-based systems. The data collected highlights the challenges Black women face in education, including the impact of evaluation rubrics, the emotional toll of teaching, and the influence of student and administrative interactions. This research amplifies marginalized voices and calls for a reevaluation of merit-based pay systems to address the inequities in compensation and to better support Black women educators.

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