Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Book - "50 Pieces of a Puzzle Forming a Career"
Teacher

Sister Mary Joan Jacobs Ed.D.

Holy Family University
Philadelphia,PA
52
years of professional experience

Experienced educator and instructional leader with expertise in class instruction, curriculum development, and student engagement. Known for strong communication, lesson planning, and adapting instruction to support student success.

Work History

Instructor

9 Years 2 Months
Holy Family University | 08.2017 - Current
  • Delivered engaging instruction aligned with course objectives and program standards.
  • Developed syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments to support student learning outcomes.
  • Evaluated assignments and exams using clear rubrics and timely feedback.
  • Advised students on academic progress, course selection, and success strategies.
  • Incorporated learning management system tools to organize materials and communicate expectations.
  • Monitored student performance and adjusted teaching approaches to improve comprehension.

Librarian

1 Year 10 Months
St. Katherine of Siena School | 08.2016 - 06.2018
  • Instructed students in research skills, source evaluation, and responsible information use.
  • Collaborated with teachers to integrate library resources into classroom lessons and projects.
  • Curated age-appropriate collection materials supporting curriculum and student reading development.
  • Managed circulation records, shelving accuracy, and patron account updates for reliable access.

Principal, Teacher

30 Years 11 Months
Nazareth Academy High School | 07.1985 - 06.2016
  • Delivered clear classroom instruction that supported diverse learning needs and student comprehension.
  • Collaborated with faculty to refine curriculum and strengthen instructional consistency across courses.
  • Assessed student performance using tests, assignments, and observations to guide instructional adjustments.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with academic standards and student learning objectives.
  • Mentored instructional staff on classroom management, lesson delivery, and assessment practices.
  • Monitored student progress and provided targeted support to improve academic outcomes.
  • Communicated with parents and administrators regarding student performance, behavior, and instructional concerns.

Teacher - Grade 4

1 Year 10 Months
St. Mary of Czestochowa School | 08.1982 - 06.1984
  • Designed grade 4 lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and classroom learning objectives.
  • Differentiated instruction to support diverse learners through guided reading, math groups, and enrichment activities.
  • Assessed student progress using quizzes, observations, and assignments to adjust instruction and intervention.
  • Managed positive classroom environment through clear routines, expectations, and consistent behavior support.

Teacher Grade 6-8

1 Year 10 Months
Visitation BVM School | 08.1979 - 06.1981
  • Designed standards-aligned lesson plans supporting differentiated instruction across core subject areas.
  • Assessed student progress through formal and informal evaluations, adjusting instruction to address learning gaps.
  • Managed classroom routines, fostering respectful learning environment and consistent student engagement.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to coordinate curriculum, share instructional strategies, and strengthen classroom outcomes.

Teacher Grade 8

10 Months
McAdoo Parochial School | 08.1978 - 06.1979
  • Delivered instruction using differentiated strategies to support varied learning needs.
  • Assessed student progress and adjusted teaching methods to improve comprehension.
  • Developed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and student learning objectives.
  • Maintained organized classroom routines that supported respectful, focused learning.

Teacher Grade 6-8

1 Year 10 Months
St. Brendan School | 08.1976 - 06.1978
  • Integrated instructional technology and learning materials to enhance comprehension and participation.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding academic progress, behavior expectations, and student support needs.
  • Mentored peers and supported school initiatives to improve instructional consistency and student success.
  • Modeled faith-based values, promoting character development, responsibility, and positive school culture.

Teacher - Grade 1

1 Year 10 Months
St. John Cantius School | 08.1974 - 06.1976
  • Planned grade-level lessons aligned with curriculum standards and student learning needs.
  • Differentiated instruction to support varied reading, writing, and math abilities.
  • Managed classroom routines to maintain orderly, engaging learning environment.
  • Assessed student progress using assignments, quizzes, and informal observations.
  • Integrated faith-based values into daily instruction and classroom activities.

Education

Ph.D. - Educational Administration

Saint Joseph's University | Philadelphia, PA | 05-2003

Dissertation - "The Anorectic Poverty of Self: Teenage Women and Eating Disorders"

Master of Arts - English

Villanova University | Villanova, PA | 09-1990
  • Honoree of [Honor Name]Cum Laude

Master of Arts - English

Holy Family University | Philadelphia, PA | 05-1984
  • Honoree of John Cardinal Newman Award for Highest Score in Comprehensive Exam
  • Cum Laude

Skills

Curriculum development
Classroom instruction
Subject matter expertise
Classroom management
Lesson planning
Student engagement
Strong communication skills

Accomplishments

  • Author of book 50 Pieces of a Puzzle Forming a Career published in August 2026, Linus Publishing.
  • Author of Chapter 2 "Essay Writing Skills: More Than Just an Essay"

Timeline

Instructor

Holy Family University
08.2017 - CurrentRead More

Librarian

St. Katherine of Siena School
08.2016 - 06.2018Read More

Principal, Teacher

Nazareth Academy High School
07.1985 - 06.2016Read More

Teacher - Grade 4

St. Mary of Czestochowa School
08.1982 - 06.1984Read More

Teacher Grade 6-8

Visitation BVM School
08.1979 - 06.1981Read More

Teacher Grade 8

McAdoo Parochial School
08.1978 - 06.1979Read More

Teacher Grade 6-8

St. Brendan School
08.1976 - 06.1978Read More

Teacher - Grade 1

St. John Cantius School
08.1974 - 06.1976Read More

Saint Joseph's University

Ph.D. from Educational Administration
Read More

Villanova University

Master of Arts from English
Read More

Holy Family University

Master of Arts from English
Read More

Book - "50 Pieces of a Puzzle Forming a Career"

At the defense of my dissertation, some years ago, one of the people in the

audience said, “I will be right there when she writes her book. ”I did know I always

wanted to write a book. I just never realized it would be in the form that it has

become.

Teaching has been a part of me for more than 50 years, so I guess it was natural

that this would be the format it took.

Victor in Chapter 1 has always been my true inspiration. I figured that if he could

put words together to make a sentence, then almost anyone could achieve some

form of learning. I do remember so clearly that day in the classroom as we all

celebrated his accomplishment.

The layout of each chapter is similar. The first section covers the classroom

setting; the second part is a pedagogical theory that is connected to that student

in my eyes; the third part is a piece of literature that is reminiscent of that young

person.

I never would have dreamed many years ago that my journey would take me

through so many places and with so many people. All the students, about whom I

have written in this book, are actual people. I have changed their names for

privacy. I may not remember all the facts as clearly as I do in Chapter 1, so I have

inserted what I believe happened. Some events may be turned around a bit,

places may be changed, times may be misconstrued, but the intent is sincere.

Forgive me for any errors, for anything that is wrong is my fault, and can be

attributed to no one else.

I sincerely hope that ‘all my children’ have benefitted from my teaching as much

as I have benefitted from their presence.

Sister Mary Joan Jacobs Ed.D.Teacher