The Full Story
About Us
Teaching Intellectual is dedicated to empowering educators, students, and communities through thoughtful dialogue and actionable resources. I’m Jen Newton, PhD, an experienced educator, speaker, and advocate passionate about creating equitable learning environments where every student can thrive.
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With years of experience in teaching, education consulting, and leadership development, I founded Teaching Is Intellectual to foster a space where teaching is celebrated as a critical, creative, and deeply intellectual profession. My mission is to challenge outdated paradigms, promote inclusivity, and inspire educators to think differently about their practice.
Jen Newton, PhD
Jen Newton, PhD is an associate professor in special education. Dr. Newton’s research interests include strengths-based approaches to families, early childhood inclusion, inclusive teacher preparation, and socially just and equitable educational practices. She presents locally, regionally, and nationally on a range of inclusive educational topics.
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She served as an early interventionist and an inclusive prekindergarten teacher prior to pursuing doctoral studies. Dr. Newton earned her doctorate in special education with a focus on teacher education from the University of Kansas and spent four years as an assistant professor at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., then three years at Saint Louis University before finding her home at Ohio University.
Mira Cole Williams, PhD
Mira Cole Williams, PhD, is the Assistant Head of School at Charlottesville Day School and a former associate professor in the Educational Foundations and Exceptionalities Department at James Madison University. Dr. Williams earned a doctoral degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education from the University of Virginia. She also received her Master’s of Teaching and B.S. in Psychology from the University of Virginia. Dr. Williams taught for six years in inclusive early childhood preschool and elementary classrooms in Virginia. In addition, she served as an educational specialist, consulting with teachers and families of children with disabilities, focusing on differentiating instruction and providing curricular access to all children.
She is a strong advocate of high-quality teacher preparation in the area of Early Childhood Inclusive and Special Education and is focused on social justice and equity for young children and their families. She presents locally and nationally on a range of topics related to improving teacher preparation, inclusive practices in early childhood education, and disrupting microaggressions in P-16 educational settings.
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I always tell my students…small actions can ignite large change, it starts with YOU today!
