In the Spotlight: Jenna Shinners, Shaping the Future of Elementary Science Education in Texas

This is our second article in the "Meet the Authors" Series from Summit K12 that covers the Dynamic Science Curriculum our team made for students in Texas.

It is important to share these stories to honor the hard work, determination, and contributions that people make behind the scenes.

I hope you enjoy this series, get to know our amazing Science writers, and enjoy these conversations.

The strength of our Dynamic Science curriculum comes from our partnership with science authors and editors all across Texas - that’s why we’re introducing our Meet the Authors’ Series so you can get to know the people who created the unique Science content for Texas learners.

Our second interview is with Jenna Shinners . Shinners has over 25 years of experience in education. Her passion is sharing how awesome Science is in every way.

She served as an educational science specialist at Region XIII Educational Service Center, and as a science consultant with lead4ward prior to joining the Summit K 12 team. As a content author, she gets to work with an amazing team and strives to create innovative learning experiences that foster creativity and curiosity in Science learners.

We’re excited to share this interview between Robyn Shulman and Jenna Shinners.

Robyn Shulman: Jenna, can you share a bit about your background?

Jenna Shinners: I have worked in education for over 25 years. I’ve worked in many different areas of education with school districts across Texas – supporting Science education. I also served as an educational science specialist at Educational Service Center, Region XIII, and as a science consultant with lead4ward prior to joining the Summit K12 team.

Shulman: Has your well-rounded career offered you different opportunities in education?

Shinners: Yes, my different experiences have led me to many opportunities in leading professional development, supporting administrators and teachers in science education, writing curriculum and instruction, and STEM innovation.

Shulman: What part of the 2024 Texas State Science Adoption did you create?

Shinners I worked in the development of K-5 Dynamic Science as an elementary content author.

Shulman: What was your favorite part about creating the Dynamic Science Curriculum?

Shinners: One of my favorite parts about creating the Dynamic Science Curriculum was working with the most amazing team, and working together to create engaging and meaningful Science instruction for teachers and students.

Shulman: What advice would you give to teachers who use Summit K12’s new Dynamic Science program?

Shinners: There are amazing resources for all learners. Rooted in three-dimensional learning, you will find engaging hands-on investigations and opportunities for students to question, think, write, and talk about Science in meaningful ways. Be sure to check out ‘Kate the Chemist’, field investigations of our state parks, PhET simulations, and more!

Shulman: Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. We look forward to more of these great interviews!

For more information about The Dynamic Science team and to see all of the different things we do to support Texas’ learners, please download our brochure, visit our LinkedIn page, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

If you are interested in a free demo of our new Dynamic Science program, please visit this link.