Timothy Pressley

Timothy Pressley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Christopher Newport University, where he contributes to the Center for Education Research and Policy. His work bridges educational psychology and practical classroom application, focusing on teacher development and well-being.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Florida State University
• M.Ed. in Elementary Education, Texas Christian University
• B.S. in Early Childhood Education, Texas Christian University

His research centers on teacher efficacy, classroom assessment, teacher evaluation, and pre-service teacher education, with a significant focus on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected teacher morale, mental health, burnout, and resilience. He investigates factors influencing effective teaching practices and supports for new educators.

The recent publications reveal a strong thematic trend: understanding and supporting teachers during and after the pandemic. His work spans self-efficacy, stress, burnout, resilience, post-traumatic growth, job satisfaction, and systemic support across diverse educational settings including schools of choice and international contexts like Israel. His scholarship combines empirical research with practical implications for policy and teacher training.

Scientific Awards:

• Top Cited Paper, Psychology in the Schools Journal (2023)
• Top Cited Paper, Psychology in the Schools Journal (2022)
• Best Professional Paper, Eastern Educational Research Association (2021)
• Virginia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Student Impact Award (2021)

Dr. Pressley advises on educational policy and teacher support systems, with his research informing strategies to improve teacher retention and effectiveness. His recent book Teaching Beyond the Pandemic (2024) and numerous peer-reviewed articles demonstrate sustained grant-like scholarly productivity, though specific funding sources are not mentioned. He teaches core courses in educational psychology, research methods, and classroom assessment, shaping future educators.

He is affiliated with the Center for Education Research and Policy, suggesting collaborative engagement in large-scale educational studies and policy analysis. This center likely serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research on K-12 education reform, teacher preparation, and assessment practices.