Research Spotlight: Dr. Jesus ‘Chuey’ Abrego
Q & A with Dr. Jesus ‘Chuey’ Abrego, Professor in the Department of Organization and School Leadership
What are your research interests and research achievements?
My research focuses on teacher leadership, professional learning communities and principal preparation. Leading today’s schools can be very challenging. School leaders are expected to be knowledgeable about a vast array of instructional services and strategies, school culture and climate, laws, and support services for a growing diverse student population. Thus, this line of research continues to be of interest to me because I’ve always been interested in supporting practitioners in the field.
Since my work focuses on practitioners, I have published two books that focus on practitioners, professional learning communities, teacher leaders, and leadership preparation. I co-authored Lead with Me: A Principal’s Guide To Teacher Leadership, 2nd edition (2nd author), which serves as a practical guide that explains the skills teacher leaders need and offers strategies for principals who wish to engage teachers in learning these skills. In addition, I co-authored The Administration & Supervision of Special Programs in Education, 4th edition, (2nd author). This recent book covers a diverse number of different topics important to practitioners; they range from special education, family engagement, central office, early childhood, migrant students, to teacher leadership, counseling and noninstructional supports such as food services and school health services that every principal should be aware of and prepared to address as a campus leader.
Additionally, I enjoy collaborating with my colleagues. I recently served as (elected) a member-at-large officer of the Learning and Teaching in Educational Leadership [LTEL] SIG with the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and am currently a member of the International Academy of Educational Leaders (IAEL). In addition, I’m involved with the Hispanic Serving Institution SIRG Research Initiative [at UTRGV] that is conducting research to explore various aspects of the overarching question: What does it mean to be a Hispanic-Serving College of Education, and how do we make this term meaningful for post-secondary education.
How does your work align with UTRGV’s and CEP’s strategic plans?
My research is aligned with UTRGV’s and CEP’s strategic plan, in that it is focused on student success. My research and publications focus on developing and sustaining high-quality educational programs for campus and teacher leaders.
What are your current projects?
I’m currently working on several research projects and books. Due to my interest in teacher leadership, I am collaborating with Drs. Velma Menchaca, Israel Aguilar, Alejandro Garcia and Michelle Abrego on a qualitative project that will study the role of the principal in supporting teacher leaders who have completed the Teacher Leadership Masters at UTRGV. In addition, I’m collaborating with colleagues on a qualitative study that explores how to best build the cultural competence and skills of aspiring school leaders to engage diverse families. I also am working on two books due for publication fall 2022. I’m collaborating with Drs. Anita Pankake (retired Professor) and Michelle Abrego on two books, the first, is the 5th edition of The Administration & Supervision of Special Programs in Education (2nd author). And the second textbook is a 1st edition (working title), The Administration & Supervision of Non-Instructional Programs in Education (1st author).