Dr. Jayme Hines has joined the undergraduate education department as an assistant professor.
She also serves as the program coordinator for the prek-4 alternative pathway program and the NAEYC accreditation coordinator.
Hines grew up in Irondequoit, New York. She received a bachelor of science in elementary education from St. Bonaventure University in Saint Bonaventure, NY. Later, she received a master of education degree in early childhood education from The College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. In addition, she received a doctorate in education from The College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Neb.
“I love our students. We really have the best, most engaged and fun students. I enjoy getting to know them and learning how I can create learning opportunities to build on what they already know,” said Hines.
Hines describes herself as a teacher’s teacher and is honored to work with future educators. She explains that the program was student-centered and that the faculty believed in the power of relationships, all of which helped influence and affirm her decision and beliefs.
“I am constantly learning new ways to engage the online learner,” said Hines, explaining that she loves building and creating engaging online coursework.
Hines tweaks the coursework in the alternative pathways program to ensure the online students get the same robust and complete education as the residential students.
The program serves students who are currently working full time, with many in the early care and education setting and completing their degree part-time online.
In the future, Hines says she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up, and she explains that “I know that I am in the right place right now, and that teaching future teachers is exactly where I want to be.”
She would also like to write a book about the best practices for faculty to support teacher candidates.
Hines has lived in 10 different states, moved 15 times and taught in seven different schools. She has been married for 25 years, and for 20 of those years, her husband was in the Army.
“It can be challenging for military spouses to pursue their own careers, but with the support of my family, I was able to support my husband during his career, which included several deployments, while chasing my own dreams,” said Hines.
One piece of advice Hines has for students is to go to class and to participate in their education. She explains that “you will only get out of your education what you put into it,” and advises students to get involved.