Deborah O'Brien, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership & Administration; Co-Director of Principal Certification

Deborah joined Gonzaga Â鶹¹ÙÍø as an assistant professor after 30 years in public and private education. Her work as a school leader has provided experience with many school models, differentiated approaches to teaching, leading, and learning, and...

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Deborah O'Brien

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Education & Curriculum Vitae

Ed.D, Organizational Leadership, Grand Canyon Â鶹¹ÙÍø 

M.A., School Administration, Eastern Washington Â鶹¹ÙÍø 

B.A., Elementary Education, Central Washington Â鶹¹ÙÍø 

 

Deborah joined Gonzaga Â鶹¹ÙÍø as an assistant professor after 30 years in public and private education. Her work as a school leader has provided experience with many school models, differentiated approaches to teaching, leading, and learning, and a love for engaging in work with like-minded people. One of her goals is to help educators honor the differences in our students by recognizing their strengths and facilitating their learning in a way that makes a difference for each child. She hopes that approach comes through with her own adult learners who honor us by choosing Gonzaga for their graduate programs and degrees.

Professional Papers Presented

  • Voss, F. O’Brien, D. & Radmer, E. (2024). Incorporating Indigenous Content in a High School: A Teacher-Led Self Study. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Paper Submission.
  • O’Brien, D. (2023). On the hunt: Seeking a measure of perseverance in high school dropouts returning to school. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Paper Submission.
  • O’Brien, D. (2022). Leadership on display. Critical Questions in Education Conference, Charleston, South Carolina.
  • O’Brien, D. (2021). Asset-Based Assessment Models. Summer Institute Center of Excellence. Francis Marion Â鶹¹ÙÍø, virtual.

Other Conference Participation

  • O’Brien, D. & Rose, S. (2023, June 24). Drive Systems Change through MTSS. Summer Conference. Association of Washington State Principals. Spokane, Washington.
  • O’Brien, D. (2023, February 21). Reframing MTSS. Spring Conference. Washington Alternative Learning Association. Chelan, Washington.
  • O’Brien, D. & Zeisner, C. (2022, February 11) Leadership in the classroom. Seattle Archdiocese, virtual.
  • Taylor, C., Cox, S., O’Brien, D. & Boyd, L. (2018, October 28-30). Building bridges to connect at risk youth to education and career opportunities. National Dropout Prevention Conference, Columbus, OH.

Research Interests

  • Social Learning Theory; Albert Bandura
  • Deficit Thinking in Education; Richard Valencia
  • Transformational Leadership, Benjamin Bass