Special education teacher and doctoral student receives national academic honor

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 21, 2025) — Emma Jones is a Kentucky special education teacher and University of Kentucky College of Education doctoral candidate who wants to make a broad impact on education. She is well on her way as one of only 38 doctoral students nationwide selected for a competitive program for future education leaders. 

“I want teachers to love teaching, just as I’ve grown to love it, and that starts with feeling supported and confident,” said Jones, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Educational Leadership Studies in the College of Education and a special education teacher at Baker Intermediate School in Clark County.  

“When teachers love what they do and are well-prepared for their careers, we ultimately improve the experiences and outcomes of our students — which is the reason why we are all here,” Jones said. 

Jones was selected as a scholar in the David L. Clark National Graduate Student Research Seminar, sponsored by the University Council for Educational Administration, the American Educational Research Association and SAGE Publications. Those selected are considered outstanding doctoral students in educational leadership, administration and policy. As a Clark Scholar, Jones will have an opportunity to participate in an intensive seminar this week, which will include professional development and other learning opportunities. 

“I’ve poured over a year of work into my dissertation research. Connecting with others in the field will also be invaluable as I take the next steps toward a career in academia,” Jones said. 

As a special education teacher, Jones has mentored new educators and practicum students, which sparked her interest in how to better support teachers and improve retention among special education teachers. She was inspired to pursue a Ph.D. to explore this question — and potential solutions — through research. 

Working full-time as a teacher and pursuing a Ph.D. has been a challenging — but not impossible — undertaking. She credits her dissertation chair, Justin Bathon, Ph.D., J.D., an associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership Studies, and Kera Ackerman, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education and Counselor Education, with helping her thrive in both roles. 

“Dr. Bathon and Dr. Ackerman continue to be invaluable, celebrating every milestone and encouraging my growth as both an educator and a researcher, gaining the experiences I need for a career in academia and navigating higher education spaces while still being in the classroom,” Jones said. 

Jones’ perspective stands out, Bathon noted — especially her curiosity about how research can be used to inform both policy and practice in special education instruction. 

“Emma is a delight as a student. She is both passionate and proactive, so I’ve enjoyed watching her push into the challenging spaces she sees in her current role as a special education teacher,” Bathon said.  

“Emma approaches her work with both enthusiasm and intentionality,” Ackerman said. “Her genuine interest in bridging research with practical application — particularly in special education — highlights her not only as a dedicated doctoral candidate, but also as an emerging leader in the field.”