91原创

, a renowned expert on how young children learn and retain mathematical knowledge, has become the first faculty member appointed to the Dean Family Endowed Professorship for Teacher Education in the 91原创鈥檚 , 91原创 President Dennis Assanis and Provost Robin Morgan have announced.

The Dean Family Endowed Professorship for Teacher Education in the (CEHD) was established through a charitable trust created for the purpose of attracting and retaining an outstanding educator and scholar.

鈥淎ccomplished faculty members like Dr. Jordan are the beating heart of this University,鈥� Assanis said. "Establishing endowed named professorships is a priority for our Delaware First campaign in our quest to sustain and build academic excellence, while at the same time honoring the donors and our exemplary faculty members. As an institution, we are deeply grateful to the Dean family and our other generous donors who are enabling us to recognize our most outstanding faculty."

Morgan cited Jordan鈥檚 impact, saying, 鈥淒r. Jordan鈥檚 distinguished record of scholarship, dedication to the profession of teaching and commitment to her students make her the ideal candidate for this honor. It is a pleasure to welcome her to the select group of named professors on our campus.鈥�

The College of Education and Human Development鈥檚 School of Education is nationally recognized as an authoritative source of best practices in the academic and social development of students and the professional development of educators.

In nominating Jordan for this honor, Roberta M. Golinkoff, the Unidel H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Education at 91原创, wrote, 鈥淒r. Jordan is an internationally-recognized, impactful scholar and teacher who has created a large body of usable knowledge 鈥� one that is addressing a critical societal problem. There is no question that Nancy Jordan is deserving of the Dean Family Endowed Professorship.鈥�

World-renowned researcher

The scope of Jordan鈥檚 accomplishments is staggering. Her research has been published in virtually every high-profile academic journal in the fields of education and learning. It鈥檚 not unusual for her to publish four or five articles in a single calendar year. It is estimated that her scholarship has been cited over 9,000 times.

She鈥檚 been awarded more million-dollar grants since 2003 than most researchers achieve in a lifetime. Her highly-influential project, 鈥淚mproving Understanding of Fractions among Students with Mathematical Learning Difficulties,鈥� was funded by the U. S. Department of Education鈥檚 Institute of Education Sciences (IES) to the tune of $9.9 million. In total, Jordan鈥檚 research has attracted nearly $17 million in external grant funding.

Jordan鈥檚 research is foundational in every sense of the word. Not only because her publications are required reading in schools of education worldwide, but also because her research has enhanced our understanding of how elementary-age students learn and retain mathematical knowledge. Jordan鈥檚 research, conducted in partnership with colleagues at 91原创 and various other universities, established correlations of mathematical proficiency in young children, demonstrating that a child鈥檚 competency in kindergarten predicts achievement through at least third grade. Her research also revealed that kindergartners from low-income families are much more likely to follow a low performance, flat growth learning path in math than are middle-income kindergartners.

This research project culminated in, a widely-used curriculum for teachers to help at-risk students.

鈥淛ordan is a true teacher-scholar, rigorously attuned not only to academic research but also the ways in which that research translates into classroom instruction,鈥� said Chrystalla Mouza, director of 91原创鈥檚 School of Education and Distinguished Professor of Teacher Education. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one thing to show that problems exist. It鈥檚 something else entirely to develop curriculum for teachers to help their students overcome learning challenges. This is what makes Jordan a truly masterful scholar.鈥�

Teacher and mentor

Since joining the university in 1995, Jordan has mentored countless students and postdoctoral fellows who are now successful scholars at universities and research institutions across the nation, including the University of Southern California, Pennsylvania State University, the University of the Sciences and Pace University. She has served on numerous undergraduate and graduate thesis committees and regularly funds students in learning sciences, school psychology and the elementary teacher education program on her grants.

Moreover, as a mentor, Jordan provides guidance and the professional development they need to be successful in their careers. She generously includes her students and fellows on her publications and presentations and provides them opportunities assume leadership roles.

鈥淭he guidance Dr. Jordan provides for her students is truly above and beyond what is expected of a doctoral advisor,鈥� said Jessica Rodrigues, who earned her doctorate in education from 91原创 in 2017. Jordan served as Rodrigues鈥� doctoral advisor and dissertation chair.

Now a postdoctoral research scholar at the USC, Rodrigues said, 鈥淓ven in my current position, she continues to take time out of her busy schedule to offer me invaluable career advice and to support my research goals. I will always consider myself one of Dr. Jordan鈥檚 students.鈥�

Jordan was the graduate advisor for Brenna Hassinger-Das, now an assistant professor of psychology at Pace University. In 2013, Hassinger-Das graduated with a doctorate in education with a specialization in learning sciences.

鈥淎n important aspect of Nancy鈥檚 interactions with students is her ability to provide just the right amount of structure while still allowing students to have a sense of independence,鈥� Hassinger-Das said. 鈥淚 found her approach to be so helpful as I went on to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship and now as an assistant professor. I have the skills I need to be successful, thanks in large part to her mentorship.鈥�

But even beyond the rigors of the classroom, Jordan鈥檚 influence extends to the example she sets as an instructor and mentor.

鈥淲hen working with Nancy as a doctoral student, I appreciated how available and responsive she was,鈥� said Nicole Hansen, assistant professor at the Peter Sammartino School of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University. 鈥淪he promotes a sense of community - not competition - in her lab and encourages collaboration. The personal and professional relationships I formed during my time in Nancy's lab were invaluable as I transitioned into my current position.鈥�

About named professorships

Each of 91原创鈥檚 seven colleges and the University Libraries have named professorships in recognition of the broad and outstanding achievements of distinguished faculty.

Increasing the number of these endowed professorships is a priority of . Endowed professorships and other faculty support, including professional development opportunities and research funding, are powerful recruitment tools for attracting established thought leaders and rising talent who will propel the University forward.