Alex Guzman successfully defends doctoral dissertation

Alex Guzman has successfully defended his dissertation at the College of Saint Elizabeth to earn an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

A charismatic leader, Guzman has extensive experience in public education where he fervently shares his passion for chemistry and physics with his students. For the last two years, Guzman has served as Principal of Middlesex High School and has worked to provide a collaborative learning experience between students and staff.

His dissertation titled, “An Examination of a Suburban District’s English Language Learner (ELL) Program,” explores the barriers ELLs face on their face day of school. These students are a linguistically, culturally, and educationally diverse population so they enter school with varying levels of English proficiency. Since they stem from vastly different educational, social, emotional, and economical experiences, it’s imperative for schools to address this issue in order to provide equitable schooling.

Guzman’s research, which centered around the conditions of the Sage school district, examined several elements: culture, professional development, the instructional program (specifically curriculum, and orientation practices) in their effort to support the needs of ELLs.

His findings indicated that leadership is key among the three district conditions in addressing the needs of the ELLs and the ELL program. It also revealed that professional development is necessary for the successful implementation of the ELL program and to enhance the alignment of instructional program practices.

Prior to completing a doctoral degree at CSE, Guzman earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in education from New Jersey City University and a master’s in administration and supervision at Montclair State University.

Within the educational leadership doctoral program, CSE offers two tracks: Pre-K to 12th grade and higher education. The higher education track is part of CSE's ED CHOICE program. ED CHOICE is a program, unique to the College of Saint Elizabeth, that allows students to choose whether to attend class on campus or complete coursework online depending on their individual schedules.