While being in a hybrid format, Dr. Sabol was able to earn his EdD, which is for individuals who want to apply their knowledge to practice and advance their leadership position. Sabol said he “really liked the program, because it [was] sort of like in-person, but also [had the] convenience of [being] virtual.” He was able to do most of his work virtually; however, he had weekend long residencies, where he was able to meet fellow classmates and his professors. 

Through this experience, Sabol has learned how to manage time, about how vital the Arts are, and about himself. Sabol admitted that gaining this degree was difficult, especially with his teaching and rehearsals for the plays and performances going on at the same time, but said, “time management is really key.” He has found that if he really wanted something, he would be able to find the time for it. He thinks that he will never stop writing and researching new things and hopes that one day he can write a book.

Sabol believes that his research is relevant because “performing arts programs in general are in trouble around the country. I think we don't put a lot of stock into performing arts programs because we're so hyper focused on things like standardization and college and career readiness. So I think [the] performing arts are being shoved out because it doesn't really align with that standardization.” He feels that “connecting it with student voices and showing why these programs are important and uplifting to marginalized voices, sort of show why we need to preserve these programs. Students are able to find themselves within these programs, and if we get rid of them, how are they going to do that?”

Dr. Sabol’s statement is supported by one of his students, Senior Neveah M. Vasquez’s, statement when she said that“the arts are important to me and so many others because it’s an escape. You build connections with people and, honestly, you aren’t the same without them. “

English teacher Mrs. Jennifer Mitchell said, “I think it's important because especially here at Monmouth Regional, I see our programs, especially our arts programs, getting smaller and smaller and smaller. And it seems that if they disappear for a year, they [will] never come back. And it's so important for these kids to have art in their lives, especially for kids on the fringes. Because [of] this, [the arts is]sometimes their only place [to] feel secure, safe- it's their home.”

The quote by Kelly Pollack, “the true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional artists or dancers. It's to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, who can lead productive lives,”  really resonated with Dr. Sabol while he conducted his research.

Dr. Sabol said that he “[wants students]  to be able to connect to [...] the lyrics they're singing” and “students will do a better job performing those songs because they're able to connect with [them] on some level.” He wants his students to also be able to connect to one another. He asks his students to “always listen to someone else more than yourself. Because if you're really trying to find that perfect ensemble blend, you need to be able to listen to other people in the ensemble to make sure that you're vibing with them.”

This is just one of the traits that his fellow teacher, Mrs. Mitchell admires about him. “He knows these kids like the back of their hand- their whole life story. These kids, they go to him, and they talk to him. [...] He's probably one of the best counselors here at school, and he's not a counselor.”

Vasquez also noted that “Dr. Sabol is an amazing teacher. He really acknowledges our feelings and how our day is going so [that] he can properly teach us, so we don’t feel stressed or rushed throughout the lesson.”

Dr. Sabol joins Dr. Meredith McGee and Dr. Ted Wardell as teachers with their doctorate degrees. He is one of the many teachers at Monmouth Regional that have touched the lives of  student’s and will be able to use the knowledge he gained from his EdD to help artistic students grow.