Anne Jewett is a long way from third grade.
The associate professor and director of the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development’s top-ranked master’s degree program in curriculum and instruction teaches from afar, using the internet to lead graduate-level courses online while still getting to know students she may not get the chance to meet in person.
That’s quite a jump from the Culpeper native’s start as an elementary school teacher.
“I’m the daughter of two educators in Virginia, and I knew from an early age that teaching sparked my interest,” Jewett said, recalling how she chose her career. “I began my journey teaching third grade. I learned so much about strengthening my teaching while realizing the importance of building strong relationships with students and community within the classroom.”
Jewett’s familiarity with K-12 education and her creative ability to design engaging online courses for working teachers have earned her the respect of colleagues and students. It also led to a UVA All-University Teaching Award this spring.
The University’s Office of the Provost bestows the honor each year to celebrate faculty members whose teaching skills contribute significantly to the University’s mission.
It also means a lot to Jewett. She’s an alumna who fell in love with UVA at her first Wahoo football game in 1995.
Finding ways to make online and virtual courses seem personal and friendly while getting to know students over the internet is School of Education professor Anne Jewett’s superpower. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“Thirty years ago, my dad took me to my first game at Scott Stadium, UVA versus Florida State,” she said. “I was in awe of the sea of orange and blue. That feeling never left me, and getting to come to UVA as undergrad was very meaningful.”
UVA is happy she’s here.
“A key aspect of professor Jewett’s excellence is her commitment to building productive, genuine relationships with each of her students,” Peter Youngs, chair of the Education School’s Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education, wrote in nominating Jewett for the award. “Professor Jewett is highly skilled at developing trusting relationships with students from all backgrounds, including students whose identities and beliefs may differ from her own.”
Part of that skill comes from Jewett’s time in K-12 education.
“From third grade, I shifted into educational leadership as a school administrator and division-level curriculum specialist,” Jewett said. “I loved my time in K-12 schools and the experiences really translate to what I do here at UVA because my students primarily are K-12 educators.”
Jewett’s teaching technique, however, is far beyond her third-grade teaching days. She teaches asynchronous online graduate courses that are available day or night, to provide flexibility to students who are mostly working professionals or caregivers.
“The asynchronous modality means students don’t have to be online at the same time as the professor,” she said. “I use various ideas to create meaningful learning experiences. I’ll make podcasts, interweave storylines, create interactive and engaging activities, and design assignments students can use within their own teaching.”
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