In August, Jillian DiBonaventura joined the STEM Education Center at WPI as the Director of Teacher Preparation. Her varied and extensive background includes deep and rich experience as a classroom educator for middle school science and, most recently, as the Coordinator of Teacher Education at Smith College.
Jillian first taught music K-12 for the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) before transitioning to science, which she taught for 10 years between the WPS and the Wachusett Regional School District. Jillian has taught methodology courses in education as well as elementary science methods as an adjunct faculty member at American International College, Fitchburg State University, and Smith College.
Jillian is particularly interested in inquiry-based teaching methodology, mindfulness, and how to best incorporate the latest in brain research into how students learn. She also has a passion for supporting students with an equity lens through differentiated instructional methods. Furthermore, Jillian believes that all students can succeed in a rigorous course of study with the appropriate level of support. She has been a long-time asset to the Worcester community and was previously part of the WPI community as a Camp Reach instructor. Jillian is excited to join the STEM Education Center at WPI and to lead and grow the WPI Teacher Preparation Program.