Teaching with Heart: How Jessica Minton is Redefining Science and Special Education

Jessica Minton, a PhD graduate student in Instruction & Curriculum Leadership with a concentration in Special Education from the University of Memphis, has always had a deep passion for teaching. She holds a Master of Science in Science Education from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and an Educational Specialist in Curriculum & Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. Although currently residing in Collierville, Jessica hails from a military family, having been born in Texas and lived in various places. She now balances her role as a high school science and special education teacher with her graduate studies. Jessica's drive to help struggling students and her belief that all students deserve challenging, yet supportive, learning environments led her to pursue further education, with a unique focus on bridging the gap between science and special education.

A Lifelong Desire to Teach

For Jessica, the desire to teach has been a lifelong calling. The journey hasn't been easy, but after teaching middle and high school for a decade, she had the strong desire to see special education and science education merge to create more equitable opportunities for students of all abilities. She knew it was time to go back to pursue her doctorate. She recalls always wanting to make a difference in the lives of students, especially those who struggle in school. “All students have the right to learn and be challenged,” Jessica shares. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that teachers, like students, are not just numbers—they are vital to shaping the future. Her journey led her to the University of Memphis after a search for a program that would allow her to bridge science and special education for inclusive learning experiences. She found UofM to be the perfect fit due to the support of professors who shared her vision. 

Her residency focus was on using technology as an intervention tool for students with extensive support needs for science vocabulary retention. She is currently working on her dissertation; focusing her research on narrative inquiry grounded in critical disability theory focusing on general education biology educators and inclusive practices. She said, "Through my doctoral program I found the confidence to add special education teacher to my certification, but more importantly to open the doors to champion ALL my students…to truly model authentic learning experiences for my students with more extensive needs and to prove that all students deserve a learning environment to explore, shine and thrive."

Balancing Work and Graduate School

Balancing a full-time teaching job with graduate school has been challenging but rewarding for Jessica. Her advice to others in a similar situation is to find a support system, whether it be family, co-workers, or faculty members. "It can be a lonely and isolating feeling once you're working on your dissertation, but you're not alone. Keep your people close," she says. Jessica also emphasizes the importance of staying true to your passions and goals, even when faced with doubts or challenges from others. 

Overcoming Personal Health Challenges

One of Jessica's biggest challenges during her PhD program was dealing with health issues. In her second semester, she was diagnosed with an autonomic condition that affects her body's regulation. This forced her to learn to balance her studies and health, teaching her the value of pacing herself and asking for support when needed. Despite these obstacles, Jessica persevered, determined to succeed.

Proud Moments and Achievements

Among her proudest achievements, Jessica highlights receiving the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) Teacher of the Year Award in January 2024. Traveling to Hawaii to accept the award, she felt her work as a special education teacher was recognized and valued on a larger scale. Reflecting on the moment, she shared, “In my classroom, above my board, it reads: ‘Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.’ This reminds me and my students every day that anything is possible.”

A Commitment to Inclusive Education 

Throughout her graduate studies, Jessica’s perspective on education has evolved. She emphasizes the importance of meeting students where they are and fostering environments where all learners, regardless of their abilities, can succeed. Whether working with AP students or those with individualized education plans (IEPs), Jessica believes every child deserves the opportunity to explore science and STEM, engage in creativity, and reach their full potential.

Inspirational Mentors 

Jessica credits Dr. Susan Nordstrom as a profound influence on her academic journey. Dr. Nordstrom’s support helped Jessica embrace her own story, including her experience with hearing impairment, and integrate it into her research. Jessica recalls how Dr. Nordstrom went out of her way to ensure she felt included in class, saying, “She pushed me to be more vulnerable in my research and gave me the confidence to blend my own story into my work.”

Gratitude for Family, Friends, and Colleagues 

Jessica is deeply grateful for the support she’s received from her family, friends, and colleagues. She gives special thanks to her husband, Rob, who has been by her side throughout her doctoral journey, as well as her colleagues, friends, and parents, who have cheered her on every step of the way. Jessica also acknowledges her students, both past and present, for inspiring her to be her best and reminding her of the importance of her work.
As Jessica prepares to graduate, she remains passionate about creating inclusive, authentic learning experiences for all students and is excited about what the future holds. She said, "A professor once told me I have two choices, I can choose to teach one year and repeat it for 30 years or I can teach for 30 years. I choose to teach every year while challenging myself to become better than the year before; to keep learning, growing, and to inspire students to find their dreams as I live mine."

Awards:

• NEA Foundation, California Casualty Award for Teacher Excellence, State of TN, 2020
• National Association of Biology Teachers, Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year, State of TN, 2023
• Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Teacher of the Year, 2024
• Association of Southeastern Biologists, Lucretia Herr Outstanding Biology Teacher Award, 2024

Research Opportunities/Achievements:

• NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship, 2019-2021 (traveled to Peru during the summer of 2021 to study the education system)
• Scaling Up for STEM Fellow, National Education Association, 2023
• DoD STEM Ambassador, 2023-2024
• Fulbright Teacher for Global Classroom Participant, 2024-2025 (country of travel TBD)

Presentations at Conferences:

• Biological Equity in Special Education, Partners in Education Conference, Nashville, TN 2019
• AMSE Sponsored Session-Biological Equity in Special Education, National Science Teacher Association Conference, St. Louis, MO, 2019 Biological Equity in Special Education, National Science Teacher Association Conference, St. Louis, MO, 2019
• Educational Reform: Where are the Students with Exceptionalities Voices?, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 2020
• Effects of a Computer Aided Instructional Package to Teach Science Concepts to Secondary Students with Extensive Support Needs, Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Orlando, FL, 2022
• An Investigation of a Computer Aided Instructional Package to Teach Science Concepts to Secondary Students with Extensive Support Needs, International Conference on Intellectual Disability & Developmental Disabilities, Clearwater, FL, 2022
• Biological Equity in Special Education, National Science Teacher Association Conference, Atlanta, GA, 2023
• Expanding STEM Access and Opportunity with DoD STEM, National Science Teachers Association Conference, Kansas City, MO, 2023 Effects of a Computer Aided Instructional Package to Teach Science (Biological) Concepts to Secondary Students with Extensive Support Needs, National Science Teacher Association Conference, Atlanta, GA, 2023
• Modeling for All: Mitosis and Cells, GMSD District Learning Day, Houston High School, Germantown, TN, 2024
• Modeling for All: Proteins and DNA, GMSD District Learning Day, Houston High School, Germantown, TN, 2024
• Supporting teachers, challenging students, and increasing accessibility: How DoD STEM Ambassadors advance STEM education in their communities (Virtual), National Science Teacher Association Conference, Denver, CO, 2024
• Supporting teachers, challenging students, and increasing accessibility: How DoD STEM Ambassadors advance STEM education in their communities, TN STEM Innovation Network Summit, Nashville, TN, 2024
• Empowering All Students in STEM: Modeling Techniques for Engagement, TN STEM Innovation Network Summit, Nashville, TN, 2024

Published by UofM Grad School: October 2024