Jennifer Whitacre

Jennifer Whitacre is a Lecturer and Clinical Coach in the Education Department at Western Colorado University. She also serves as the Director of the Summer Teacher Institute, supporting K-12 educators through graduate-level professional development.

• Education
  • MS in Education, Indiana University (2016)
  • BS in Environmental Science & Forestry, SUNY College (2004)

Whitacre’s expertise bridges science research and K-12 education. Her current focus areas include:

• Transitioning curricula to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
• Inquiry-based and student-centered instructional strategies
• Integrating technology into 21st-century classrooms

Prior to her academic roles, she gained fieldwork experience at institutions like the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab and the University of Puerto Rico, later applying this background to secondary science education in Indiana. At Western, she mentors pre-service teachers and collaborates with Gunnison Valley non-profits on elementary science curriculum initiatives.