Janine Twaddle, EdD

Janine Twaddle earned her Bachelor of Arts from Penn State University with a concentration in Graphic Design. She later earned her PA Teaching Certification from West Chester University and her master’s degree as a Reading Specialist from Holy Family University.

Most recently, Janine earned her Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education degree from GMercyU. She’s currently considering applying to GMercyU’s Curriculum & Instruction Supervisory Certification and/or the Principal Certification program.

“I am the definition of a lifelong learner,” Janine shared.

Journey to GMercyU

Janine performed heavy research on EdD programs and stumbled upon GMercyU.

“The selling point of GMercyU was the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education concentration. My interests are centered around Teaching and Learning, such as curriculum and program development,” Janine said.

Another factor that stood out to Janine was the design of the program that allows students to work on their dissertation from the beginning. She loved being connected to her dissertation advisor immediately, and having the ability to pick her topic right away.

“There are multiple dissertation courses that focus primarily on writing, working with your advisor, and communicating with your dissertation committee to gain feedback,” Janine recalled.

Experience in the EdD Program

“I found the program to be well-rounded, data-driven, and technology-focused with a strong background in cultural competence and equity,” Janine said.

Janine found that she learned a great deal from both her professors and her cohort team.

GMercyU’s EdD program concentrates on communication, theoretical understanding, and engaging students. She also found problem-solving, critical thinking, and reflecting on best practices to be a huge aspect of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Dr. Tamarah Smith and Dr. Tiffany Creswell-Yeager are two professors that stood out to Janine.

I learned authentically through their courses, and their commitment to students is unmatched. They were always there to guide me, listen, and offer advice. I would not be here without their support and dedication.

Janine’s Dissertation

For her dissertation, Janine chose the topic of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) pedagogical content knowledge and self-efficacy of preservice teachers.

“The inspiration for studying the STEM pedagogical content knowledge of preservice teachers is time, or lack thereof, when I was a new elementary school teacher. I quickly discovered there is such little time in the day to teach all of the content and standards, as well as answer emails, mend student friendships, and, as the NEA’s Lily Eskelsen Garcia so eloquently explained in 2015, ‘put Band-Aids on boo-boos’ amongst countless other tasks,” Janine shared.

In an effort to gain more time, Janine began to implement STEM, project, and theme-based learning to engage in interdisciplinary learning experiences for her students.

“In researching preservice teacher preparation programs, there could be value added to explicitly teach strategies for implementing STEM and interdisciplinary content in the classroom,” Janine said.

Looking Toward the Future

With her new degree, Janine is applying to colleges and universities to become an adjunct professor.

“My goal is to develop and teach explicit STEM and interdisciplinary content for preservice education courses as well as secure a leadership position in my current school district,” Janine said.

Advice for Future Educators

I chose to work in education because of the ‘lightbulb effect,’ the moment you actually experience a child gain knowledge, is incredibly rewarding. Every day is different, presenting new challenges and victories. As an educator, you truly have the opportunity to impact a student’s life.

Janine strongly advises investing the time getting to know the students, as relationships are crucial to lead a successful classroom. Students feel safe to learn when they know their teacher respects and cares about them.

“Teaching is not one size fits all. It can shift at a moment’s notice, and preparedness and flexibility are paramount. Hold all students accountable and at a high level. As Lady Bird Johnson stated, ‘Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them,’” Janine said.