David Sewell McCann, in fulfilling the requirements of the EdD program in Educational and Professional Practice, has written and published a dissertation titled A Program Evaluation of Restorative Storytelling as Professional Development for Waldorf Teachers.
Sewell McCann’s dissertation offers a compelling examination of storytelling as a transformative practice in education. Restorative Storytelling serves as a pedagogical, relational, and classroom management tool. This research evaluates the effectiveness of this program through an explanatory sequential design, beginning with quantitative data collected from three distinct surveys, followed by qualitative analysis using Participatory Action Research and thematic stakeholder interviews.
Sewell McCann’s dissertation adds to the growing body of scholarship that bridges narrative practice, educational innovation, and systems thinking for professional transformation and human connection. Findings from the evaluation indicate that the Restorative Storytelling program is not only relevant and effective but also points to promising directions for future development and deeper impact.
Sewell McCann is the co-founder and lead storyteller for Sparkle Stories and founder of How to Story, where he teaches storytelling tools to educators, leaders, and changemakers. He is the author of Listen Like a Storyteller and creator of the acclaimed podcast Horsemen.
Read and download Sewell McCann’s dissertation, A Program Evaluation of Restorative Storytelling as Professional Development for Waldorf Teachers, here.
