Janelle Bailey 2013 Election Bio

Janelle Baile

2013 National Executive Board Election Candidate for Vice President

Janelle Bailey

Department of Teaching & Learning
Temple University
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
janelle.bailey@temple.edu

Education

  • B.A. Astrophysics, Agnes Scott College (1994)
  • M.Ed. Science Education, University of Georgia (1997)
  • Ph.D. Teaching & Teacher Education (Astronomy Education), University of Arizona (2006)


Professional Experience

  • Department of Teaching & Learning, Temple University: Associate Professor (starting Fall 2013)
  • Department of Teaching & Learning, University of Nevada, Las Vegas:
    o     Co-Director, Center for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education (2012-2013)
    o     Associate Professor (2012-2013)
    o    Assistant Professor (2006-2012)
  • Department of Astronomy, University of Arizona: Graduate Teaching / Research Assistant (2001-2006). Also in Department of Teaching & Teacher Education
  • Campbell County High School (Gillette, Wyoming): Science Teacher (physics, chemistry, physical science) (1997-2000)
  • Bradley Observatory, Agnes Scott College:
    o    Planetarium Director (1995-1997)
    o    Observatory Assistant (1991-1994)


AAPT Activities and Recognitions

  • Section Representative, Southern Nevada Section (2008-2013)
  • President and Co-Founder, Southern Nevada Section (2008-2010)
  • Editorial Board Member, The Physics Teacher (2010-2013). Occasional reviewer (2004-present)
  • Committee on Space Science and Astronomy (2009-2012 and 2004-2007). Chair (2011-2012  and 2006-2006); Vice-Chair (2010-2011)
  • Organizer/presider of multiple sessions such as “Recent Results in Astronomy Education Research” and “Innovations in Teaching Astronomy” and workshops such as “Observing with NASA: Expanding the Universe in the Classroom”
  • Paper Sort for WM07 (Joint Meeting with the American Astronomical Society) (2006)
  • Published in both The Physics Teacher and American Journal of Physics
  • Recipient, Outstanding Teaching Assistant (2003)


Selected Other Professional Activities

  • Editorial Board Member or reviewer for eight journals
  • Officer in local science teachers’ organization
  • NASA grant proposal reviewer (2010)
  • UNLV General Education Committee (college- and university-level activities)
  • Member of ten other national professional organizations


Commentary
In January 2001, I attended my first AAPT meeting. Although this was not my first professional meeting (having attended AAS and NSTA previously), I had never felt as welcomed into an organization as I did at San Diego AAPT. Over time, that feeling of welcome has just gotten stronger, and I see it now when my students attend AAPT meetings as well. The supportive and collegial atmosphere is one of AAPT’s biggest strengths. Additionally, the breadth of information and resources available—from physics and astronomy content to teaching strategies to teacher education—continues to grow to support the widest possible physics teaching audience.
    I am honored to be nominated for AAPT Vice President. The opportunity to work with and lead the Executive Board presents exciting challenges. If elected to the Presidential chain, I would want to continue and build upon the tireless work of our recent leadership. Providing high-quality programs while battling a financial crisis is no easy feat, but the efforts of our leadership, and indeed, all our members have allowed this to happen. Some areas where I believe I can make significant contributions include, but are not limited to:

  • continuing the work of expanding the scope of Area Committees to move beyond simple program logistics;
  • continuing and improving upon program organization to maximize attendees’ positive experiences;
  • expanding awareness of AAPT’s various resources to both the membership at large as well as potential new members.

In my role as a center co-director at UNLV, I have been a strong team builder with members of different communities (such as engineering, science, and education faculty, plus K-12 teachers and professional developers). I also have strong organizational and communication skills. These traits will help me as I work with the diverse members of the AAPT Executive Board, Council, and national office.