Current Projects
Sacred Struggles: The Role of Religious Communities in Supporting the Mental Health and Well-being
This project explores how religious participation and community support shape the emotional well-being of mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Focusing on Christian and Muslim faith communities, the study aims to understand how spiritual practices, beliefs, and social networks help (or sometimes challenge) mothers as they navigate the complexities of parenting a child with special needs. Through in-depth conversations, Sacred Struggles centers the voices of mothers whose stories are often overlooked in both religious and medical spaces. Are you a mother of child that has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
- Are you an active member of a Christian or Muslim faith community?
- Are you at least 18 years of age?
- If so, I would love to talk to you. I am doing a study exploring how religious participation and community support impact the emotional well-being and stress levels of mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
If you're interested or know someone who may be, please contact Dr. JoAnna Boudreaux @jbdreaux@memphis.edu or text 901-826-9680
Your participation is voluntary, and all information will remain confidential.
Emotion Work and Identity in Scripted Classrooms: A Sociological Lens on Teacher Adaptation
This research project investigates how K–8 teachers navigate the emotional and professional challenges of teaching with scripted curricula. While these curricula aim to ensure equity and consistency, they often limit teacher autonomy and creativity, leading to emotional strain and identity conflicts for educators.
The goal is to shed light on the often-invisible labor teachers perform to maintain authenticity and foster student engagement in scripted settings. Findings from this study will inform educational practices and policies to better support teacher well-being and professional integrity in increasingly standardized classrooms.
- Are you a current or former K–8 teacher working with a scripted curriculum (like Wit & Wisdom, EL Education, Open Court, or similar)?
- Do you teach or have taught in a public-school setting?
- Are you at least 18 years of age?
If so, I’d love to talk with you. I’m conducting a study about how teachers emotionally and professionally adapt to working with scripted curricula. I’m especially interested in hearing how you manage the emotional challenges, maintain your sense of self, and connect with students when your teaching is tightly structured.
If you're interested or know someone who may be, please contact Dr. JoAnna Boudreaux at jbdreaux@memphis.edu or text 901-826-9680.
Your participation is voluntary, and all information will remain confidential.
