My research examines how effective preparation of school and teacher leaders improves student outcomes, particularly amid high leadership attrition and limited meaningful professional learning. I extend this work through instruction that models innovative, practice-based approaches to leadership development, bridging research and real-world demands. Grounding my teaching in evidence means designing authentic learning experiences, prioritizing practice-based development, and continuously refining my approach to support leaders in complex contexts. 

Leaning into the research means that I utilize my research and mentorship to bring my teaching philosophy to life. I view students as partners, emphasize authentic learning, and support continuous growth. By engaging students as collaborators in research, scholarship, and professional learning, I connect theory to practice, cultivate reflective and empowered leaders, and foster a learning community that models the leadership I aim to develop.

Beyond my personal research activities, I also support colleagues and graduate students through:

"Dr. Jennifer Watters has been an influential mentor in my doctoral journey. When our professor unexpectedly passed away during my first semester, she stepped in to lead our qualitative research course with compassion, confidence, and an immediate willingness to support students through a very difficult transition. She provided quick, meaningful feedback, made the course material approachable and relevant, and helped us connect what we were learning to the actual process of gathering and analyzing data for our own studies.

As my dissertation chair, someone I specifically asked to serve in that role, Dr. Watters has continued to be an incredible source of support both professionally and personally. She does not simply tell me what to do; instead, she helps me understand why, asks thoughtful questions, and guides me toward making strong decisions for my study. She has been a true thinking partner in shaping my dissertation and has consistently encouraged me to design research that is practical, meaningful, and capable of extending beyond the final document. Because of her mentorship, I am not only completing a dissertation but also developing work that can lead to presentations, professional learning, and real-world impact." -Shari Spangrud, Ed.D. Candidate, UT Tyler