2013 Metcalf Award Recipient: Carol B. Jenkins

Carol Jenkins is Associate Professor in the Elementary Education Program in the School of Education. Her research focuses on elementary-level literacy, with a concentration on writing development and instruction of young learners in urban settings.

Professor Jenkins has for 23 years earned praise preparing aspiring educators for both the rigor and reward of classroom teaching. Evaluations of Professor Jenkins are routinely sprinkled with such words as “knowledgeable,” “passionate,” “creative” and “dedicated,” to describe a teaching style that combines original pedagogy with immersion in demanding, real-world classroom settings. Among those settings is the William Monroe Trotter Elementary School in Dorchester where BU students collaborate closely with Trotter faculty in a unique partnership Professor Jenkins developed. Many BU students report being transformed by the program – inspired by the experience, and deeply motivated to make a difference in their own classrooms.

“What raises Professor Jenkins beyond the many excellent teachers at BU is the role she has played in creating outstanding career pathways for her students,” writes one nominator. “Many of them come in with very limited exposure to real urban schools, to high-needs settings, and to students from backgrounds very different from their own… She has provided our undergraduate students with a career-shaping experience.”

Professor Jenkins challenges students intellectually and emotionally to explore divergent views, to develop a passion for teaching, and to put into practice what they’re learning – from lesson plans and curriculum development to thoughtful interaction with children. This learning process never ends: Professor Jenkins has developed lifelong connections with students, many now award-winning teachers themselves.

Professor Jenkins earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Education from Northeastern University. She holds a Ph.D. from Boston College. She has written dozens of foundational publications on childhood literacy, regularly presents at professional conferences, and consults for Massachusetts school systems.