Profile

Jessica Camara, Ed.D. is a dedicated educator and researcher currently serving as a Lecturer in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She earned her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from UCF, where her research focused on the integration of scientific learning principles in teacher preparation programs. Jessica also holds a Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Hartford and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Florida.

Since joining UCF in September 2023, Jessica has been teaching undergraduate courses in elementary education, specializing in math and science. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of equipping pre-service teachers with robust pedagogical knowledge and practical skills to enhance student learning outcomes.

Prior to joining the faculty at UCF, Jessica served in various roles within Orange County Public Schools. As an Elementary English Language Arts Program Specialist (2019-2021), she was instrumental in developing and writing ELA curricular resources for K-5 teachers, including distance learning materials and professional development programs focused on literacy instruction. From 2021 to 2023, she worked as an Assistant Principal in Title I schools, where she focused on building teacher capacity through enhanced content knowledge, pedagogical decision-making, and standards-based instruction.

Jessica's ongoing research interests include the science of reading and learning, with a particular focus on how these principles are represented in elementary education programs. Her commitment to improving educational practices continues to drive her work in preparing future educators to succeed in dynamic classroom environments.

• Elementary Education
• Scientific Learning Principles
• Teacher Preparation

EdD University of Central Florida, Educational Leadership, May 2019
MS University of Hartford, Elementary Education, May 2012
BS University of Florida, Journalism, December 2005

Florida Educational Leadership Certification (All levels)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement
Florida Professional Teacher Certification (K-6)

As an experienced educator and researcher, my primary area of interest lies in exploring and enhancing effective instructional methods and learning strategies. My academic journey, culminating in an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida, has equipped me with a robust foundation in the science of reading and learning. My dissertation, "An Investigation of Science of Reading and Learning Representation in Undergraduate Elementary Education Reading Courses in the State University System of Florida," underscores my commitment to understanding and improving educational practices.

Throughout my career, I have actively engaged in research and publication, contributing to the field through works such as "Science of learning principles that support learning to read: How are they represented in undergraduate reading course textbooks and syllabi?" This research highlights my dedication to bridging the gap between theoretical principles and practical application in educational settings.

In my professional roles, including my current position as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Central Florida, I have consistently focused on developing and implementing instructional strategies that foster student engagement and achievement. My experience as an Elementary School Assistant Principal and various teaching positions has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in K-12 education.

I am particularly passionate about leveraging data-driven approaches and evidence-based practices to enhance instructional effectiveness and promote improving learning outcomes for all students. My goal is to continue contributing to the field by researching and advocating for innovative instructional methods that support all learners in achieving their full potential.

• Effective Instructional Methods in Elementary Education: Investigating various teaching strategies and their impact on student engagement and achievement in elementary education settings.
• Science of Reading and Learning: Exploring how principles of the science of reading and learning can be integrated into curriculum design and instructional practices to improve literacy outcomes.
• Data-Driven Instructional Practices: Examining the role of data in shaping instructional methods and strategies, and how data-driven approaches can enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning.
• Roleplaying and Simulation-based Learning: Researching specific instructional methods to investigate the effectiveness of content knowledge acquisition and learner engagement.
• Professional Development for Educators: Studying the impact of professional development programs on teachers' instructional practices and their ability to implement evidence-based strategies in the classroom.

As a dedicated educator and researcher, my service to the academic and local community is driven by a commitment to enhancing educational practices and supporting the development of future educators. In my role as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Central Florida, I actively contribute to the School of Teacher Education through teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development. My involvement in delivering instruction for elementary education content method courses, both in-person and online, ensures that students receive a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

My professional experience as an Elementary School Assistant Principal and various teaching positions has equipped me with the skills to mentor and support instructional staff members in the effective implementation of student learning aligned with the Florida B.E.S.T benchmarks. I have also played a pivotal role in data-based decision-making to ensure the academic achievement of all students, fostering a positive and safe learning environment.

I am committed to professional development and have facilitated numerous training sessions and workshops, such as "Questioning as an Instructional Strategy" and "Scientific Learning Principles to Improve Learning Outcomes." These initiatives aim to enhance teachers' pedagogical knowledge and improve student learning outcomes.

Additionally, my service extends to academic contributions, including serving as a Dissertation Committee Member and Proposal Reviewer for the Association of Science Teacher Education Annual Conference. As the Elementary Education Program Liaison for City Year, I collaborate on developing teaching pathways for a selective cohort of City Year members, further demonstrating my dedication to the growth and development of future educators.

Through these efforts, I strive to make a meaningful impact on the educational community, promoting effective instructional methods and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in teaching.

• Elementary Education Program Liaison with City Year
• Exhibitor annual Spark STEM Fest at the Orlando Science Center
• Proposal Reviewer, Association of Science Teacher Education
• Faculty Representative at annual academic conferences, UCF College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) graduation ceremonies, and School of Teacher Education's Educators UKnight event

LAE 4314: Language Arts in the Elementary School
(Summer 2021)
Provided in-person instruction to undergraduate elementary education students to enhance knowledge of the principles, procedures, organization, and current best practices in reading, writing, listening, and talking.

MAE 3311: Elementary Mathematics for Teaching II
(Fall 2023 - Present)
Provide in-person and online instruction to undergraduate elementary education students to address pedagogical content knowledge for teaching rational number concepts and operations, measurement, and algebraic reasoning for intermediate elementary grade levels.

SCE 3310: Teaching Science in Elementary School
(Fall 2023 - Present)
Provide in-person and online instruction to undergraduate elementary education students in preparation to incorporate the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices/Professional Education Competencies within a science, teaching setting; and implement the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSS) for science and English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) strategies.

SCE 6315: Science Methods for Elementary Education (Fall 2024)

This course aims to equip future educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach science to elementary students. Key components of the course include pedagogical strategies, curriculum design, and assessment techniques.

IDS 6933: Seminar in Teaching Mathematics and Science
(Summer 2024, Spring 2025)
Provide in-person and online instruction to graduate K-8 science and mathematics education students to strengthen their knowledge of how to use data to reflect on their teaching, improve their instruction, and enhance their students’ learning. Emphasis is placed on understanding and using the formative assessment development framework through and collaboratively reflecting on the process.