Dr. Jaclyn Easter

Title: Associate Professor of Education & Department Chair
Dept.: Education
Office: Rasmussen Center 238
Phone: (515) 263-2973
Email: jeaster @ grandview.edu

Jaclyn received her undergraduate degree from Simpson College with majors in biology and psychology. She completed the M.A.T. program and is currently wrapping up Ph.D. coursework at Drake University.

Prior to becoming a full-time educator, Jaclyn worked with at-risk youth in a psychiatric medical institute for children as a treatment counselor and in their high school science program. She spent the majority of her teaching career before Grand View as a middle-level science and math educator in Des Moines.

Academic History

  • Ph.D. in Education Drake University, Des Moines, IA (2015 - present)
  • M.A.T. in Science, Middle-Level (Science & Math), and Gifted Education Drake University, Des Moines, IA (2013)
  • B.A. in Honors Psychology and Biology Simpson College, Indianola, IA (2009)

Start Date at Grand View

  • August 2016

Areas of Expertise

  • Science education
  • STEM
  • Middle-level education
  • Educational psychology 

Research / Accomplishments

  • Easter, J.M., Hollister, E., & Wilcox, J. (In Press). Where have the birds gone?: Engineering solutions to authentic problems in the elementary science classroom. Science and Children.  
  • Edgerly H.S.; Wilcox, J.M.; & Easter, J.M. (In Press). Creating a positive feedback loop: Eight practical principles to improve students' learning. Science Scope. 41(5), 43-49.
  • Kruse, J.W.; Easter, J.; Edgerly, H.; Patel, N.; & Seebach, C. (2017). The impact of a course on Nature of Science pedagogical views and rationales: Comparing pre-service teachers in their first versus second experience. Science & Education, 26(6), 613-636.
  • Kruse, J., Edgerly, H., Easter, J., & Wilcox, J. (2017). Myths about the Nature of Technology and Engineering. The Science Teacher, 84(5), 39.

Recent Presentations

  • Easter, J.; Kruse, J.W.; & Edgerly, H. (2018). The impact of a course on Nature of Science pedagogical views and rationales: Comparing preservice teachers in their first versus second experience. Proposal accepted for paper presentation at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching. Atlanta, GA. March.
  • Edgerly, H.; Kruse, J.W.; & Easter, J.M. (2018). Elementary teachers' implementation of the Nature of Technology in the classroom. Proposal accepted for paper presentation at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching. Atlanta, GA. March.
  • Easter, J.M.; & Wilcox, J. (2017) Developing the Capacity of Science Faculty Members to Design and Implement Research-Based Science Curriculum. Poster presented at the North Central Meeting of the Association of Science Teacher Education. Rochester, MN. October. 
  • Easter, J.M; & Edgerly, H.S. (2017). Incorporating the NGSS into pre-service education. Roundtable discussion facilitated at the North Central Meeting of the Association of Science Teacher Education. Rochester, MN. October.
  • Edgerly, H.S.; Kruse, J.W.; Easter, J.M.; & Wilcox, J. (2017). Elementary Teachers' Implementation of the Nature of Technology and Engineering in the Classroom. Paper presented at the North Central Meeting of the Association of Science Teacher Education. Rochester, MN. October.
  • Hollister, E.; & Easter, J.M. (2017). Where Have the Birds Gone?: Engineering Solutions to Authentic Problems in the Elementary Science Classroom. Model lesson presented the annual Iowa Science Teaching Section Conference. Ankeny, IA. October.
  • Edgerly, E.; Easter, J.M.; Hunt, S.; & Smith, R. (2017). Boat Races: Motion, Forces, and Engineering Design. Model lesson presented the annual Iowa Science Teaching Section Conference. Ankeny, IA. October.
  • Kruse, J.W.; Wilcox, J.; Edgerly, H.S.; & Easter, J.M. (2017). Investigating elementary teachers' philosophy and nature of technology (PNOT) instruction. Paper presented at the European Science Education Research Association. Dublin, Ireland. August.
  • Wilcox, J.; Kruse, J.W.; Herman, B.C.; Easter, J.M.; & Edgerly, H.S. (2017). The impact of a year-long professional development on elementary teachers' teaching of math and science. Paper presented at the European Science Education Research Association. Dublin, Ireland. August.

Awards

  • Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for Science Teachers, National Science Teaching Association, March 2015

Personal Interests

  • Cycling
  • Traveling
  • Spending time with family
  • Discovering new music

Questions & Answers

What makes Grand View unique among other universities?
Grand View is unique because of the positive relationships and rapport built among faculty and students. 
What is your favorite part about working at Grand View?
My favorite part about working at Grand View is how quickly faculty and students are able to make connections campus-wide, for example, through opportunities to collaborate in inter-departmental activities. 

Student Testimonials

  • "Dr. Easter has gone above and beyond for me on too many occasions to mention. She has encouraged me to present with her at a statewide teacher's conference, encouraged me to take multiple education practicum opportunities, and has overall pushed me to be the strong, confident student teacher I am today. She is truly an amazing woman. My Grand View experience simply would not have been nearly as remarkable without her. That is why Dr. Easter is absolutely deserving of the mentor appreciation award." - Madison Green
Jaclyn Easter