Jen Newton, PhD is an associate professor in special education. Dr. Newton’s research interests include strengths-based approaches to families, early childhood inclusion, inclusive teacher preparation, and socially just and equitable educational practices. She presents locally, regionally, and nationally on a range of inclusive educational topics.
She served as an early interventionist and an inclusive prekindergarten teacher prior to pursuing doctoral studies. Dr. Newton earned her doctorate in special education with a focus on teacher education from the University of Kansas and spent four years as an assistant professor at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., then three years at Saint Louis University before finding her home at Ohio University.
“I am passionate about preparing and supporting high quality teachers. I believe each and every child has strengths and is worthy of respect. I am committed to learning as much as I can from as many people as I can! I talk a lot and have strong opinions – or so I am told.”
SCHOLARSHIP
Peer Reviewed Manuscripts
Newton, J. R., Koestler, C., and McGarry, J. (Under Review) How many fingers?: A crit lit math lesson to launch discussions about body diversity. In Koestler, C., Ward, J., Zavala, M. d. R., and Bartell, T. Early childhood mathematics lessons to explore, understand, and respond to social injustice.
Koestler, C., Newton, J. R., and McGarry, J. (Under Review) How many fingers?: A crit lit math lesson to launch discussions about body diversity. In Bartell, T., Yeh, C., Felton-Koestler, M., Berry, III, R. (Eds.), Upper elementary mathematics lessons to explore, understand, and respond to social injustice.
Newton, J. R., & Williams, M. C. (2021). Instagram as a professional development tool: How teachers use social media to interact, support, and learn. Journal of Special Education Technology. https://doi.org/10.1177/01626434211033596.
Blanchard, S. B., Newton, J. R., Didericksen, K.W., Daniels, M., & Glosson, K. (2021). Confronting Racism and Bias Within Early Intervention: The Responsibility of Systems and Individuals to Influence Change and Advance Equity. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 41(1), 6–17. https://doi.org/10.1177/0271121421992470.
Newton, J. R., Williams, M. C, & Feeney, D. M (2020). Implementing non-traditional assessment strategies in teacher preparation: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Culture and Values in Education, 3(1), 39-51. https://doi.org/10.46303/jcve.03.01.3.
Newton, J. R., Ottley, J. R., Coogle, C. G., & Hartman, S. L. (2019). Simultaneous renewal: An inclusive approach to collaboration and teaming. Collaborations: A Journal of Community-Based Research and Practice, , 2(1), 17. http://doi.org/10.33596/coll.43.
Barbour, N. B., Wilson, D. R., & Newton, J. R. (2016). Making the shift from preschool to laboratory school. In N. B. Barbour & B.A. McBride (Eds.), The future of child development laboratory schools: Applied developmental science in action. New York: Taylor & Francis.
Kennedy, M. J., Kellems, R. O., Thomas, C. N., & Newton, J. R. (2014). Using content acquisition podcasts to deliver core content to preservice teacher candidates. Intervention in School and Clinic. doi: 10.1177/1053451214542046.
Kennedy, M. J., Aronin, S., Newton, J. R., O’Neal, M., & Thomas, C. N. (2014). Creating multimedia-based vignettes with embedded evidence-based practices: A tool for supporting struggling learners. Journal of Special Education Technology, 29(4), 15-30.
Kennedy, M. J., Thomas, C. N., Aronin, S., Newton, J. R., & Lloyd, J. W. (2014). Improving teacher candidate knowledge using content acquisition podcasts. Computers & Education. 70, 116-127. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2013.08.010.
Newton, J. R., Kennedy, M. J., Walther-Thomas, C., & Cornett, J. (2012). Implications of NCATE Blue Panel Report on Transforming Teacher Education on Early Childhood Special Education. Focus on Exceptional Children, 45, 1-14.
Kennedy, M. J., Newton, J. R., Haines, S., Walther-Thomas, C., & Kellems, R. O. (2012). A triarchic model for teaching “introduction to special education”: Case studies, content acquisition podcasts, and effective feedback. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 20, 251-275.
Kennedy, M. J., Ely, E., Pullen, P., Thomas, C., Newton, J. R., Lovelace, S., Cole, M., & Ashworth, K. (2012). Using multimedia tools to support teacher candidates’ learning. Teacher Education and Special Education, 35, 243-257, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0888406412451158.
Presentations
Blanchard, S. B., Newton, J. R., & Didericksen, K. (2021). Confronting racism and bias within early intervention systems. Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Disabilities & their Families. Online.
Newton, J. R., & Williams, M. C. (2021). Instagram as a special educator professional development tool. Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Disabilities & their Families. Online.
Blanchard, S. B., & Newton, J. R. (2021). Advancing equity through meaningful inclusion, revisited. Invited session at the Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Disabilities & their Families. Online.
Reister, M., Acar, S., Newton, J. R., Blanchard, S. B., & O’Grady, C. (2021). Resilience and vulnerability of women faculty during COVID-19. Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Disabilities & their Families. Online.
Newton, J. R., Blanchard, S. B. (2021). Making anti-racism visible in our work: Holding ourselves to account. A Hot Topic session offered at Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Disabilities & their Families. Online.
McCray, E., Newton, J. R., Van Cleve, C., & Drakeford, W. (2021). Supporting a diverse education workforce: Strengthening preparation, practice, and professional growth. An invited panel session offered at the Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs’ Leadership & Project Directors’ Conference. Online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSYEyThL3kI
Newton, J. R., & Blanchard, S. B. (2020). Making antiracism visible in our work. A Hot Topic session offered at Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families. Online.
Newton, J. R., Innocenti, M. S., Duran, L., & Jones, T. (2020). Advancing equity through meaningful inclusion. A panel session offered at Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families. Online.
Newton, J. R., Morris, C. T., & Williams, M. C. (2020). Ungrading: The ambitious preparation of pre-service inclusive educators. Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Disabilities & their Families. Online. Available here.
Hill, C. F., Newton, J. R., & Williams, M. C. (2020). Reframing techniques to reduce implicit biases about families. Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Disabilities & their Families. Online.
Newton, J. R., Acer, S., Blanchard, S. B., & Vinh, M. (2019). Labels and language revisited: Imagining inclusive vernacular to support meaningful interactions. Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families. Dallas, TX.
Blanchard, S. B., Vinh, M., & Newton, J. R. (2019). Practicing inclusion, doing justice. Disability, inclusion, and belonging in early childhood. Invited “hot topic” session at Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families. Dallas, TX.
Blanchard, S. B., Newton, J. R., & Vinh, M. (2019). Practicing inclusion, doing justice. Disability, inclusion, and belonging in early childhood. Frank Porter Graham Inclusion Institute. Chapel Hill, NC.
Hill, C. F., Newton, J. R., & Williams, M. C. (2019). Family-centered practices? Culturally-responsive teaching? Supporting bigger tomorrows through collaborative transitions across EI/ECSE. Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families. Dallas, TX.
Beneke, M., Shapland, D., Newton, J. R., Blanchard, S. B., & Vinh, M. (2019). Trauma and teachers: Building provider resilience for improved child and family outcomes. Division of Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families. Dallas, TX.
Newton, J. R., & Morris, C. T. (2019). Ambitious teaching in higher education: Presuming competence, rethinking relationships, and trusting students. Poster presentation at Division for Early Childhood Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families, Dallas, TX.
Newton, J. R., Zand, D. H., Sallee, H. M, Ladage, J., Heaney, S. M., & Pierce, K. J. (2019). Developing the BAER: Use of modified Delphi method for initial item generation. Division for Early Childhood Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families, Dallas, TX.
Shapland, D, Newton, J. R., Blanchard, S. B., Vihn, M., & Beneke, M. B. (2019). Trauma and teachers: Building provider resilience for improved child and family outcomes. Division for Early Childhood Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families, Dallas, TX.
Vinh, M., Blanchard, S. B., & Newton, J. R. (2019). Doing justice: Understanding disability, identity, and belonging to practice inclusion. National Early Childhood Inclusion Institute. Chapel Hill, NC.
Newton, J. R., Hill, C. F., & Williams, M. C. (2018). Overcoming mountains of biases: Embracing reframing techniques to support family-centered practices. National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference. Washington, D.C.
Beneke, M., Newton, J. R., Blanchard, S. B., Williams, M. C., & Shapland, D. (2018). Labels and language: Transforming conversations about identity in EI/EC/ECSE. Division for Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families. Orlando, FL.
Newton, J. R., Blanchard S. B., Williams, M.C., Beneke, & M., Vinh, M. (2018). Interactive activities for prompting preservice and inservice professionals to surmount personal biases. Preconference session. Division for Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families. Orlando, FL.
Hill, C. F., Newton, J. R., Able, H., Williams, M. C., & Marvin, C. (2018). Harry Potter villains and biases: Advancing family-centered practices through professional development. Division for Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families. Orlando, FL.
Hurley, J. H., Newton, J. R., & Mereiou, M. (2018). Responsive supports: Acknowledging strengths among families experiencing homelessness and poverty. Poster. Division for Early Childhood’s Annual Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families. Orlando, FL.
Newton, J. R., Hill, C. F., & Williams, M. C. (2017). Overcoming mountains of biases: Embracing reframing techniques to support family-centered practices. Presented at the Division of Early Childhood of the Council of Exceptional Children, Portland, Oregon.
Newton, J. R., Hill, C. F., & Williams, M. C. (2017). Every family has a story: Preparing practitioners to truly partner with families. Presented at the Division of Early Childhood of the Council of Exceptional Children, Portland, Oregon.
Blanchard, S. B., & Newton, J. R. (2017). Self-reflection as change agent: Facing struggles for systemic equity and social justice. Facilitated expert panel at the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, Portland, Oregon.
Hill, C. F., Newton, J. R., Able, H., Williams, M. C., & Marvin, C. (2017). Harry Potter lives under the ECSE stairs. Is EI the orphan nephew? Invited presenter for the Professional Development Special Interest Group at the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, Portland, Oregon.
Newton, J. R. (2017). Reconsidering “Inclusion”: Preparing all teachers for all students. Presented at the Rouge Forum. Saint Louis, Missouri.
Newton, J. R., Hill, C. F., & Williams, M. C. (2016). Every family has a story: Preparing early childhood teachers to embrace families. Presented at the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators Conference, Los Angeles, California.
Blanchard, S. B., & Newton, J. R. (2016). Jockeying with Trends: Equitable and just practices for all children and families. Facilitated panel at the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, Louisville, Kentucky.
Williams, M. C., & Newton, J. R. (2015). BUILLD families: Bringing unique interventions for language and literacy development to families. Presented at the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children; Atlanta, Georgia.
Barbour, N. E. & Newton, J. R. (2014). Child development laboratory schools: History as prologue and a case example. Paper presented as part of a symposium at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA.
Newton, J. R. (2012, November). Perspectives and experiences of early-career special education teacher educators: Chronicles of academia. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Almarode, J. T., Kretlow, A. G., & Newton, J. R. (2012, November). A model of university-school partnership to close the research to practice gap. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Kretlow, A. G., & Newton, J. R. (2012, November). Using coaching to improve pre-service teachers implementation of evidence-based practices. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Kretlow, A. G., & Newton, J. R. (2012, November). “Practice-based” research: Using in-service teachers as interventionists in experimental research. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Kennedy, M. K., Thomas, C., Newton, J. R., & Driver, M. (2012, November). Conducting applied research in teacher preparation: Testing new practices derived from theory. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Dennis, L. R., & Newton, J. R. (2011, November). Strategies and accommodations for enhancing early literacy development during book reading. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, National Harbor, Maryland.
Newton, J. R., Kennedy, M., Haines, S., & Walther-Thomas, C. (2011, April). Teacher candidates’ perceptions on utilizing multimedia instruction that reaches students with exceptionalities. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Council for Exceptional Children, National Harbor, Maryland.
Kennedy, M. J., Israel, M., Walther-Thomas, C., Newton, J. R., & Aronin, S. (2010, November). Preparing doctoral students for effective roles as teacher educators in special education. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; Saint Louis, Missouri.
Haines, S., Kennedy, M., & Newton, J. R. (2010, November). Enhanced podcasts in teacher education: Effectiveness and preservice teachers’ perceptions. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; Saint Louis, Missouri.
Newton, J. R., Kennedy, M., Haines, S., & Walther-Thomas, C. (2010, November). Teaching teacher candidates to create multimedia instructional modules with embedded evidence-based practices. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children; Saint Louis, Missouri.
Dennis, L. & Newton, J. R. (2010, October). Effects of training on preschool teachers’ use of early literacy strategies. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children; Kansas City, Missouri.
Israel, M., Pattison, J., Moshirnia, A., & Newton, J. R. (2008). Supporting novice special educators through e-mentoring. Proceedings of the Society of Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference. Las Vegas, NV. AACE. (p. 5101-5108).
Pattison, J. & Newton, J. R. (2008, November). Expanding support for novice special educators: A statewide web-based mentoring network. Presented at the Teacher Education Division, Council for Exceptional Children Conference. Dallas, TX.
Newton, J. R., & Pattison, J. (2007, November). SEMS: Statewide E-Mentoring System. Presented at the Council for Exceptional Children-Teacher Education Division, Milwaukee, WI.