16 Nov2020
Member Spotlight: Bethany Hamilton-Jones
AACTE’s new Member Spotlight features an individual from a member institution, highlighting how their work makes a difference in classrooms across the country. Nominate yourself or another member by providing a response to the following questions and sending to mgrenda@aacte.org.
Get to know Bethany Hamilton-Jones …
Current position: Clinical Associate Professor, University of Georgia (UGA)
Number of years in this position: I’ve been in teacher preparation since 2006!
Alma Mater(s): UGA and SUNY Oswego
Hometown: Fairport, NY
- How long have you been a member of AACTE?
I’ve been a member through my institution since 2013.
- Why did you join AACTE?
During the beginning of my career at UGA, there were major shifts happening in teacher preparation including increased accountability and assessment. AACTE was a reputable, comprehensive resource that provides our college with guidance into unknown territory.
- Why did you decide to enter the field of educator preparation?
I loved being a classroom special educator at the elementary level, which fueled my desire to train and support future educators so they too would find value and excitement in their work. Educators are my closest friends.
- What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career so far?
I love attending convocation for my college each year! I meet students’ families, partners, and friends and feel a shared sense of pride in the beginning of these young adults’ professional lives. Onward and upward!|
- What’s one thing—educator preparation-related or not—you learned in the last month?
Yarn does not knit itself.
- What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
I’m still waiting for it! I’m sincerely grateful for all the opportunities that have been available to me as a faculty member in the Mary Frances Early College of Education and as a member of a nationwide community of teacher educators. I find people are engaged, excited, and up for challenges!
- What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in this field?
Do it!
- Who or what inspires you?
Skilled writers that can weave factual evidence with personal narratives to open our eyes to new experiences.
- What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’ve been throwing pots since the early 1990s. My next job is going to be a potter.
- What is your favorite part about being a member of AACTE?
I had a great time at last year’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta! Who would have thought the pandemic was just around the corner? I would recommend membership because I believe that AACTE honors the profession of teaching, builds community among teacher preparation programs and strives to bring workable solutions to difficult problems.
Tags: member spotlight, membership
