Jessica Mayes, Stephen F. Austin State University’s inaugural JacksTeach Science Teacher fellow, will work alongside Mindy Wurtz, clinical instructor and JacksTeach master science teacher, to design and deliver high-impact professional development workshops for educators.

In recognition of exceptional public school science teachers, Stephen F. Austin State University’s JacksTeach program has launched the JacksTeach Science Teacher Fellowship to support their continued professional growth.

Inaugural fellow Jessica Mayes is an accomplished middle school science teacher at Central Heights Middle School, and will work alongside Mindy Wurtz, clinical instructor and JacksTeach master science teacher, to design and deliver high-impact professional development workshops for educators. As part of her fellowship, Mayes will gain hands-on experience in lab instruction and curriculum development while receiving a $5,000 stipend.

“In addition to preparing and inspiring the next generation of secondary STEM teachers in Texas, JacksTeach and the STEM Education and Research Center are also dedicated to supporting current STEM educators,” Wurtz said. “This summer, I am especially excited to collaborate with Jessica Mayes, who brings valuable expertise in middle school teaching and curriculum development.”

Mayes, who was selected for her innovative teaching methods and student-centered classroom, is enthusiastic to serve as the inaugural fellow.

“I am a lifelong learner and love being innovative in my classroom,” Mayes said. “It’s important to me that my lessons continue to intrigue and connect with my students. I want them to love science and learn as much as they can while in my room — and that means growing my craft.”

JacksTeach professional development workshops focus on implementing inquiry-based, three-dimensional science activities in middle and high school physics and biology classrooms. Educators interested in participating can register at sfasu.edu/pace or contact jacksteach@sfasu.edu.

The JacksTeach Science Teacher Fellowship is currently funded through the support of the Bush Family, whom the Bush Mathematical Sciences Building is named after.

Cutline: Jessica Mayes, Stephen F. Austin State University’s inaugural JacksTeach Science Teacher fellow, will work alongside Mindy Wurtz, clinical instructor and JacksTeach master science teacher, to design and deliver high-impact professional development workshops for educators.

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