Jessica Slade

Jessica Slade is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware (UD), within the College of Education and Human Development. She also serves as Program Coordinator for the Associate in Arts Program in Early Childhood Education. Previously, she held roles at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), including Assistant Professor of Instruction (2019–2023), Lecturer (2017–2019), and Adjunct Instructor (2014–2017). Her research focuses on classroom culture, social-emotional learning, play-based curricula, and early childhood teacher support, with an emphasis on equity and accessibility for non-traditional students.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning and Culture, UTEP (2018)
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Early Childhood Education, UTEP (2014)
• B.A. in Theatre Arts, University of the Pacific (2005)

Dr. Slade’s work prioritizes inclusive educational practices and teacher development. She has received prestigious awards for teaching excellence, including the UT System Regents Outstanding Teaching Award (2020) and the TEKYC Teacher Education of the Year (2023).