Jana LoBello Miller

Jana LoBello Miller serves as Senior Lecturer and Elementary Teacher Education Licensure Program Lead in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development. She teaches core courses including CI 1001, CI 4121, CI 5702, CI 5283, CI 5285, and CI 5286, and co-directs the Elementary Teacher Education program.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Culture and Teaching with Supporting Program in Elementary Education from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (2017)
• M.Ed. in Learning, Diversity and Urban Studies from Vanderbilt University (2012)
• B.A. in Special Education/Deaf Education from Michigan State University (2007)

Dr. LoBello Miller's research centers on equity-driven approaches in teacher preparation, with emphasis on humanizing online pedagogies, identity construction in educational spaces, and culturally responsive teaching methodologies. Her work integrates feminist perspectives to address systemic inequities, particularly through technology-enhanced learning environments and support for teachers of color. She actively examines how digital tools can foster authentic relationships while challenging deficit narratives in education.

Analysis of her 2014-2023 publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward equity-centered educational innovation, with recent work (2022-2023) focusing on online learning communities, identity affirmation in virtual spaces, and critical research methodologies. Earlier scholarship addresses identity formation in teacher education and structural barriers faced by marginalized groups, including Hmong immigrant youth and young mothers. Cross-cutting themes include decolonizing pedagogical approaches and centering humanization in educational technology.

Scientific Awards

• No awards documented in source materials

As co-director of the Teacher Scholars of Color program, Dr. LoBello Miller provides critical mentorship to increase teacher diversity across Minnesota. Her advising focuses on supporting educators of color through professional development and community-building initiatives, though specific grant funding details are not provided in available documentation. She maintains active membership in AERA and NCSS to advance her scholarly contributions.

Dr. LoBello Miller leads the Elementary Teacher Education Licensure Program and co-directs the Teacher Scholars of Color initiative, creating structured pathways for teacher candidates while fostering inclusive educational communities. Her work integrates departmental resources with statewide partnerships to address teacher shortages and promote culturally sustaining pedagogies.