Deborah O'Brien, Ed.D.

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

Deborah joined Gonzaga University 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

Contact Information

Education & Curriculum Vitae

Ed.D, Organizational Leadership, Grand Canyon University 

M.A., School Administration, Eastern Washington University 

B.A., Elementary Education, Central Washington University 

 

Deborah joined Gonzaga University 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 University, 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