School of Education

Dr. Jurchan’s primary professional interest is in preparing teacher candidates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective instruction of middle and secondary students. This interest includes a focus on secondary content area literacy, critical thinking development, universal access, and theory and pedagogy for the English learner population. As a former elementary, middle, high, and adult school teacher and administrator in both the private and public arenas, she is dedicated to helping teacher candidates and new teachers increase their professional competence and teaching effectiveness. Her current research projects include teacher dispositions, adult reflections of literacy development, teacher candidate perceptions of English learner populations, and faith integration and the teaching and learning environment.