Dr. Rona Zollinger's dissertation focused on an alternative high school program she co-founded and co-taught1. The dissertation explored the impact of transformative learning practices on student outcomes, particularly in the areas of teacher and student retention, relational trust, school climate, community engagement, and overall academic improvement

In this article, Dr. Rona Zollinger advocates for a teaching approach centered on relationality, described as the process connecting individuals to each other and their surroundings. Published in the Winter 2010/2011 issue of Education Revolution, the article uses Zollinger’s doctoral research on the Environmental Studies Academy to showcase how an education model valuing relationality can address student disengagement and model ethical, sustainable living

In a 2013 article for Bay Nature magazine titled "Turning Over a New Leaf," writer Paul Epstein highlights Rona Zollinger's work with the New Leaf Leadership Academy, an innovative program at Vicente Martinez High School. The article emphasizes the program's focus on connecting students with nature through phenology studies, which involve observing seasonal cycles in plants and animals. By examining these natural events, students gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of climate change, a key theme in Zollinger's educational approach.

Dr. Rona Zollinger's curriculum vitae outlines her extensive experience in education, spanning over 25 years and encompassing roles such as high school teacher, mentor, industry partnership developer, program director, and educational consultant. Her vitae highlights her expertise in transformative learning, place-based education, career technical education, and social-emotional learning, as well as her commitment to fostering courage and relational trust in educational settings

Dr. Rona Zollinger's dissertation identified ten essential processes necessary to sustain successful engagement and transformative learning. Based on stakeholder perspectives, these processes foster a culture of learning and relationality through practices such as place-based and experiential learning, trust-building exercises, and the development of relational values. Ultimately, these ten conditions promote positive student outcomes by increasing teacher and student retention rates, building relational trust, and improving the overall quality of student learning.

Dr. Rona Zollinger was recognized as the 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year for both the City of Martinez and Contra Costa County for her innovative teaching approach that combined hands-on learning with environmental  and mental health studies.  In her speech as Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year, Rona Zollinger discussed her belief that teachers have the ability to change the world and emphasized the power of collaborative learning experiences that connect students with nature, activism, scientific inquiry, and leadership