Dr. Gleason's research examines teacher identities and engagement practices in online communities of practice that are part of a new program in teacher leadership. This research explores how teachers engage in online spaces as they cross metaphoric boundaries of geography, discipline, and context to work together in virtual spaces. Dr. Gleason is interested in the opportunities that online communities of practice invite for meaning-making, learning, and reimagination of one’s own “place” in the world through interaction with people they may not interact with “in real life”. This past year, Dr. Gleason became a co-PI on a New Frontiers grant, supporting multi-modal storytelling and co-created materials between 'Newcomer' culturally and linguistically diverse families and teachers. Previous to this, Dr. Gleason's research also explores themes of trust and belonging with Latinx youth and schools. In collaboration with her team at the Renee Crown Wellness Institute, this research explores how creating 'circles de confiaza' with high school students allow youth to heal from experiences of distrust, racial micro-aggressions, and feelings of isolation- as well to envision educational spaces as sites of belonging.
