Jessica Banks

Education and Certifications

Gardner-Webb University, Doctor of Education (Curriculum and Instruction)
University of Nebraska Kearney, Master of Science (Math and Science Education)
Winthrop University, Bachelor of Science (Middle Level Education—Science and Language Arts)

Biography

Jessica VanValkenburgh Banks started her career in education in 2008 as a middle school science teacher. During her time in K-12 education, she taught science and served in many leadership roles including department chair, team leader, grade level leader, and a district lead teacher within her content. In 2017, Jessica became an Adjunct Instructor at Winthrop University and she joined Columbus State University in 2020.

Jessica’s most recent research has focused on parent and family involvement in education, science education, and relationship building with students and the community. Specifically, Jessica has explored the stakeholder perceptions of parent/family involvement at specific sites in order to create plans for continuous improvement of family involvement practices.  Additionally, she has worked to eliminate boundaries hindering community involvement in education and ensuring science education is relatable and engaging for all.

Academic Areas

Curriculum and Instruction
Middle Grades Education (Science, ELA, Math)
Science Education
Family and Community Involvement in Education

Presentations

• VanValkenburgh, J. (2024, February 23). Words Matter: Using vocabulary to link science and literacy. Georgia Science Teachers Association Annual Conference, Columbus, GA.
• Gierhart, A. R., & VanValkenburgh, J. (2023, March 25). Introspective podcasting: Pre-service teaching candidates’ reflect on science identity. National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference 2023, Atlanta, GA
• VanValkenburgh, J., VanSlander, J., Gierhart, A. R., & Dailey, T. (2022, November 17). InTASC and CAPS Alignment: What Columbus State University faculty determined when creating a crosswalk. Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Annual Conference, Savannah, GA.
• VanValkenburgh, J., & Gierhart, A. R. (2022, November 4) Fostering and Maintaining Relationships: Teacher Education During COVID-19. Association for Middle Level Education Annual Conference 2022, Orlando, FL.
• VanValkenburgh, J., & Gierhart, A. R. (2022, November 2). Fostering and Maintaining Relationships: Teacher Education during COVID-19. CSU Annual Faculty Research Conference, Columbus, GA
• Gierhart, A. & VanValkenburgh, J. (2022, March 10). Baby Steps: Teacher Education Program Redesign. International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Annual Conference. Orlando, FL.
• VanValkenburgh, J. & Baker, S. (2022, February 10). Off to a great stART with STEAM: Practical arts integration for the science classroom. Georgia Science Teachers Association Annual Conference, Peachtree City, GA.
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2021, November 7). 10 Strategies to Improve Middle Level Family Involvement. Association for Middle Level Education: Virtual Conference.
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2021, November 7). Communication: The Key to Equitable Parent Involvement. Association for Middle Level Education: Virtual Conference.
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2021, April 21). Parent/Family Involvement in Science: Why it‘s Important and How to Make it Work. National Science Teaching Association (Engage 21): Virtual Conference.
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2021, February 6). Parent/Family Involvement in Science: Why it‘s Important and How to Make it Work. Georgia Science Teachers Association Annual Conference: Virtual Conference.
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2021, February 6). No field trips? No problem! DIY Virtual Field Trips. Georgia Science Teachers Association Annual Conference: Virtual Conference.
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2020, November 4). Parent and teacher perceptions of parent involvement: Are teachers are parents on the same page? Columbus State University Faculty Research Conference: Virtual Conference.
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2020, October 23). Parent and teacher perceptions of parent involvement: Are teachers are parents on the same page? Association for Middle Level Education Annual Conference: Virtual Conference.
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2020, October). COVID-19 and Schools. Innovation in Teaching Virtual Conference: Athens, GA.
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2020, September). Special Education and Parent Involvement. ECE 380 Collaboration and Communication with Stakeholders: Gardner-Webb University: Boiling Springs, NC. *Invited Speaker
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2020, July). Family Involvement in Schools: How to Get Involved and Stay Involved.  Moms Against Racism Monthly Meeting: Rock Hill, SC. *Invited Speaker
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2020, July). After the Ed. D: Applying for Higher Education Positions. Post-Graduate Discussion Panel at Gardner-Webb University: Boiling Springs, NC. *Invited Speaker
• VanValkenburgh, J. (2020, February). Special Education and Parent Involvement. ECE 380 Collaboration and Communication with Stakeholders: Gardner-Webb University: Boiling Springs, NC. *Invited Speaker
• Butler, C., Collins, C., & VanValkenburgh, J. (2019, July). Stepping Stones for Successful School Relationships. Gardner-Webb University Graduate Summit: Boiling Springs, NC.