Associate Professor Jennifer Chauvot has been selected as the Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.  Chauvot began her work at the UH College of Education in 2004 after serving in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at San Diego State University. 

Chauvot’s work at the College includes serving as principal investigator, co-creator and director of iSMART (Integration of Science, Mathematics and Reflective Teaching), one of the number one ranked US News and World Report online master degree programs.  She also serves as co-director of the UH 4-8 Master Mathematics Teacher Certification Program.  Chauvot is looking forward to her new responsibilities.  "I’m excited and honored to be taking on this new role" she said.

iSMART is a unique online master's degree program for Texas middle school science and math teachers.  The concept originated from a $3 million grant from the Greater Texas Foundation, which requires the program to be completely online and integrated for both math and science teachers.  Data from the iSMART program contributed to the UH College of Education’s #1 ranking in the 2015 U.S. News & World Report’s list of  Best Online Programs.

“Working with Dr. Chauvot and the iSMART team has been one of the most rewarding educational experiences I have had,” said Sissy Wong, Assistant Professor of Science Education. “Dr. Chauvot is supportive and open-minded which has allowed me to be creative in the design and implementation of iSMART online courses and research projects.”

iSMART requires not only the integration of mathematics and science, but also the technology needed for a successful online program.  “iSMART has been integral in the exemplary preparation of future science and math teachers,” said Robert McPherson, Dean of the College of Education.  “Undoubtedly, Dr. Chauvot will apply the same outstanding leadership as Chair of Curriculum and Instruction.”

Chauvot’s work transcends research and has a lasting impact on the students who work with her. “Dr. Jennifer Chauvot is an advisor, mentor, friend and leader.  She is a woman of uncompromising integrity that challenges everyone who works with her, whether on a team or in a one-on-one setting,” said Curriculum and Instruction Ed.D. student, Kimberly Hicks. “With a delicate balance of patience and dispensing critique with respect, I have not only found my place in this field, but have begun to have strong success and praise for my work.  It would not have been possible without her mentorship and guidance.”

The College of Education would like to sincerely thank Dr. Laveria Hutchison for her eight years of dedicated service as the Chairperson for the Department of Curriculum & Instruction.  Although she had many accomplishments during her tenure as chairperson, one of the most critical was facilitating the final submission and eventual  approval of the new Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. She will return to her full-time role as faculty member in September.