Trust Brokers and Connectors: Cultivation of Trust and the Trusted Adult in High School

Author

Vae L. Champagne

Date of Award

2025

Degree Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

Comments

Presented to the Faculty of Sacred Heart University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education, Sacred Heart University

Committee Chair

Dr. Ashley Carey

2nd Reader

Dr. Brandon Frame

3rd Reader

Dr. Darline Berrios

Abstract

Trusted adult-student connectedness is a key lever for enhancing school safety, preventing violence, and developing a sense of belonging in high schools. However, there are no formal practices, guidelines, or policies in place to cultivate and equip trusted adults for this vital role. Therefore, this Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) employs an improvement science methodology with a qualitative research design to explore how to foster a school-wide presence of trusted adults and bolster their preparedness. Through focus group interviews, a questionnaire, workshop observations, and design-based activities with youth and educators, cocreated connection tools and strategies were tested using the Strategize-Implement-Analyze- Reflect (SIAR) improvement cycle. New tools and a conceptual framework emerged from the study as ways to cultivate a culture of trusted adults and improve relationships between students and trusted adults. The findings offer opportunities for co-generational dialogues to build the youth’s protective factors and social capital and spur intergenerational solidarity. The results also frame promising new strategies to advance connectedness, such as the use of “trust brokers” and connection points. Ultimately, the study’s results will help strengthen trusted adult social and emotional skills and narrow the trust gap between high school students and school-based staff, ensuring that high schools are safer and fueled by a greater sense of belonging.

Recommended Citation

Champagne, V.L. (2025). Trust brokers and connectors: Cultivation of trust and the trusted adult in high school [[Doctoral dissertation, Sacred Heart University]. https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/edd/69/

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