Robb Virgin is a Ph.D. candidate in Social Studies Education and also the newly appointed principal of Eden Prairie High School. He plans to apply his research on student-based inquiry to his new role leading the teaching staff in Eden Prairie.

What made you decide to pursue your Ph.D. in Social Studies at the University of Minnesota?

I wanted to learn more about how to help teachers.  Specifically, I want to help teachers in their instructional practices, which I believe is the biggest lever for student learning.  While in my program, I took school leadership courses as my supporting program. I feel my deeper understanding of curriculum and instruction allows me to be an instructional leader.

Tell me about your dissertation research.

I’m interested in inquiry-based learning and specifically in student-generated questions and how those compare to the questions their teachers ask, or curriculum developers ask. I think getting students involved in the curriculum creation process by making them the question-askers and not strictly answerers is a way to increase their engagement and curiosity as learners.

Do you hope to apply your research and work in the doctoral program to your new job as principal of Eden Prairie High School?

Yes. The principalship has evolved to include “instructional leadership.”  This is now my number one job. My coursework and research has provided me a deeper understanding of teaching and learning than the more traditional grad work for school administrators.

What do you hope to accomplish as principal?

I want to “Inspire each student.” That is the district mission statement and I believe in it.  This is evidenced in a lot of different ways—grades, external assessments, attendance, graduation rates, engagement in courses, pursuit of interests, participation beyond the classroom in formal and informal ways.

I hope to do this by amplifying student voices, empowering staff, focusing on what happens in the classroom and making sure it fits our goals of collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. All of this is underwritten by strong, trusting relationships throughout our community, what I like to call “relationship-based community.”

Which courses did you teach as a graduate instructor? How have they impacted your view of teacher preparation and leadership?

Primarily (CI 5741) Introduction to Social Studies Education.  I’ve taught that since I’ve been a school administrator, too.  The students expose me to new ideas, and more importantly, help keep my thinking fresh by considering what is most important for new teachers to know and why.

What has been your experience with the faculty?

My advisor, J.B. Mayo has been incredibly supportive of all of my efforts—research, teaching, principal.  He listens, asks questions, leverages his relationships, and flexibly responds. He has also improved my writing a lot, too.  

Learn more about the Ph.D. programs in education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.