Northern Illinois University
Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations
College of Education

Kelly H. Summers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Educational Administration

Department

Research Interests

• Self-determination theory applied to educational leadership and/or in educational settings
• Application of psychological principles in educational settings
• Educational leaders’ support of mental health and wellness practices in schools
• Bystander roles in school-age bullying
• Teacher understanding of school law

Professor Summers only considers taking on thesis and dissertation students that have research interests closely aligned to the areas listed above.

Education

• Ph.D. Northern Illinois University, 2008
• M.A. Northern Illinois University, 2006
• B.A. North Central College, 2001

Professional Educator Licensing

• Illinois General Administrative (Formerly the Type 75)
• Illinois School Psychologist (Formerly the Type 73)

Recent Publications

• Kiracofe, C., Summers, K.H., and James, C. (2019). Bad religion: Teacher understanding of the First Amendment in public schools. The Journal of School Business Management, 31(1), 14-19.
• Chapman, S.D., and Summers, K.H. (2018). Can school shootings be prevented? Case studies of past shootings and considerations for school-based threat assessment. The Journal of School Business Management, 30(1), 7-13.
• Summers, K. H., Crawford, J. and Kiracofe, C. (Dec. 4, 2014). A legal and statistical analysis of Illinois school funding in light of pending litigation in Chicago Urban League v. Illinois, 309 Ed. Law Rep. 595. 
• Jenkins, L.N., Demaray, M.K., Fredrick, S.S., and Summers, K.H. (2014). Associations among middle school students' bullying roles and social skills. Journal of School Violence. DOI:10.1080/15388220.2014.986675
• Demaray, M.K., Summers, K.H., Jenkins, L.N., and Becker, L.D. (2014). Bullying participant behaviors questionnaire (BPBQ): Establishing a reliable and valid measure. Journal of School Violence. DOI:10.1080/15388220.2014.964801.

Selected Courses Taught

• LEEA 501: School Organization and Administration: Programs and Practices
• LEEA 727: Multi-tiered Systems of Support for Prevention and Intervention
• EPS 307: Adolescent Development
• EPS 300: Introduction to Educational Psychology