Jane Freiburg Nickerson
4512 Daly Manor Place
Olney, Maryland 20832
Education
Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction: Reading Education, University of Maryland,
December, 1996. My dissertation is entitled, ‘Using Literacy Portfolios to Promote
Deaf Students’ Engagement in Self- Assessment.”
Master of Arts, Education of the Deaf, Secondary Level, Gallaudet University,
Washington, D.C., May, 1983.
Bachelor of Arts, History and German, Summa Cum Laude, MacMurray College,
Jacksonville, Illinois, May, 1981.
Professional Experience
Professor of English, Gallaudet University, August, 2000. English Department Chair,
July 2007 – July 2010. Department Chair for the Department of Applied Literacy, Fall
2009.
Associate Professor of English, Gallaudet University, August 1995 - August 2000.
Assistant Professor of English School of Preparatory Studies, Gallaudet University.
August, 1983 - August, 1995.
English Department Chair: School of Preparatory Studies, Gallaudet University, August,
1987 -August 1991.
Publications
Franklin, Paige, and Nickerson, Jane. (August 2013). “Harmonizing American Sign
Language and English in Integrated Learning Courses.” TESOL: Bilingual Basics.
http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/tesolbeis/issues/2013-08-28/5.html.
Nickerson, J. (2012). “Engaging Students with Videos in Integrated Learning Classes.”
TESOL Video News.
http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/tesolvdmis/issues/2012-08-10/16.html.
Pajka, Sharon, and Nickerson, Jane. (2011). “Engaging Students with Videos in
Integrated Learning Classes.” The HUIC Arts and Humanities Conference
Proceedings, December, 2011.
Franklin, P., Nickerson, J., & Rach, L. (Winter 2008). “Engaged Curriculum Enhances
Learning.” Gallaudet University 5th English Think Tank Proceedings.
Nickerson, J.F. (2007). “Reflections of Society in Film: From Citizen Kane to Erin
Brockovich” in Lesson Plans for Creating Media-Rich Classrooms, (Mary T. Christel
& Scott Sullivan, Eds.), National Council of Teachers of English, p. 115 – 123.
Nickerson, J.F. (Winter, 2006). “Teaching literature and film: Create enriching
experiences for student.” The English Record, 56, (2), p. 7 – 19.
Andersen, C., Dillehay, J., Nickerson, J., Rashid, K., Salaway, T., &Termini, J. (2006).
“Circles of Learning: Communities of Excellence.” Paper presented at the 2006
PEPNet conference Roots & Wings. (Proceedings available from the University of
Tennessee, Postsecondary Education Consortium Web site:
http://sunsite.utk.edu/cod/pec/products/2006/model-prac-prog.html).
Nickerson, J.F. (May 2005). Teacher to teacher: “Erin Brockovich.” English Journal, 94,
(5), p. 32-33.
Nickerson, J.F. (Fall/Winter 2005). “Creating literacy portfolios for classroom
assessment: Tips for Teachers.” Odyssey, 6 (1), p. 16 – 21.
Nickerson, J.F., Franklin, P. & Kimmel, K.K. (PEPNet 2004). “Literature and film: A
critical thinking course that leads to lifelong learning.” Proceedings from the PEPNet
Conference will be posted on the Internet by PEPNet and is available on CD.
Kimmel, K.L. & Nickerson, J.F. (2004, Spring). “Random Acts of Kindness.” Teacher’s
Guide for World Around You, Gallaudet University.
Nickerson, J.F. (2004, Winter). “What do you want to be?” World Around You,
Gallaudet University, p. 12-13.
Nickerson, J.F. (2004, Winter). “Students – On your Mark, Get Ready, Set Your Goals!”
Teacher’s Guide for World Around You, Gallaudet University.
Nickerson, J.F. (2003, Spring). “Deaf college students' perspectives on literacy
portfolios.” American Annals of the Deaf, 148, p. 31 – 38.
Kimmel, K.L. & Nickerson J.F. (2003, Summer). “Helping students explore the theme of
‘heroes.’” Teacher’s Guide for World Around You, Gallaudet University.
Nickerson, J.F. (Winter 2002-2003). “What do you want to be? Exploring different
fields of study.” World Around You, Gallaudet University, p. 2-3.
Nickerson, J.F. (Winter 2002-2003). “Expanding your horizons: Exploring different
fields of study.” Teacher’s Guide for World Around You, Gallaudet University.
Kimmel, K.L., Nickerson, J.F., Schumaker, P.F., & Stremlau, T. (2002). “Accurate
assessment of literacy skills: A possible task for educators.” PEPNet 2002: Diverse
Voices, One Goal, Conference Proceedings.
Kimmel, K.L. & Nickerson J.F. (2002, Fall). “Of heroes and heroism – and Deaf people
on the job.” Teacher’s Guide for World Around You, Gallaudet University.
Nickerson, J.F. & Kimmel, K.L. (2002, Spring/Summer). “Turning memories into
memoirs.” Teacher’s Guide for World Around You, Gallaudet University.
Nickerson, J.F. & Kimmel, K.L. (2001-2002, Winter). “Strategies for Learning and
Teaching.” Teacher’s Guide for World Around You, Gallaudet University.
Kimmel, K.L. & Nickerson, J.F. (2001, January, February). “Weaving literacy and the
arts into the fabric of your classroom.” Teacher’s Guide for the World Around You
Gallaudet University.
Kimmel, K.L. & Nickerson, J.F. (2001, January, February). “A live poets society.” World
Around You Gallaudet University.
Olson, A.C. & Nickerson, J.F. (2001). “Syllabic organization and deafness: Orthographic
structure or letter frequency in reading?” The Quarterly Journal of
Experimental Psychology.
Kimmel, K.L, & Nickerson, J.F. (2000, September, October). “Around the world and into
the classroom.” Teacher’s Guide for the World Around You Gallaudet University.
Kimmel, K.L. & Nickerson, J.F. (2000, September, October). “Dr. Jordan’s travel
journal.” World Around You, Gallaudet University.
Kimmel, K.L. & Nickerson, J.F. (2000, May, June). “Fostering creative writing.”
Teacher’s Guide for the World Around You Gallaudet University.
Nickerson, J.F. (1999, September). “Seven samurai.” English Journal, 34.
Nickerson, J.F. & Kimmel, K. L. (1999, November/December). ‘Enhancing literacy
through interaction.” Teacher’s Guide for the World Around You, Gallaudet
University.
Nickerson, J.F. (1999, May/June). “Developing life-long learners.” Teacher’s Guide for
World Around You, Gallaudet University.
Nickerson, J. (1999, January/February). “For students’ long term: Reading strategies and
self-assessment.” Teacher’s Guide for the World Around You Gallaudet University.
Nickerson, J.F. (1994). “Using literacy portfolios to help deaf students engage in selfassessment.” Literacy Issues and Practices.
Nickerson, J.F. (1990). “Compelling writing means compelling topics.” In J. Staton (Ed.),
Conversations in writing: A guide for using dialogue journals with deaf
postsecondary and secondary students Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.
Editor
Edited the English Think Tank Proceedings which included 15 papers from presentations
that were made at the conference. The 5th English Think Tank took place on June 14
– 15, 2007 at Gallaudet University. The conference proceedings were published by
PEPNet and are available on CD.
Manuscript Reviewer
“Syllabic structures in typing: Evidence from hearing-impaired writers” for Reading and
Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal. Reviewed the manuscript in 2003 and 2004.
Thinking Your Way Through English Grammar by Edmund Vitale, Jr., published in 1992
by H & H Publishing Company. Assisted the author in editing his book before
publication.
Workshop Presentations
“(Con)textual Stores: Multimedia Approaches as the Future of English” NCTE,
November 22, 2013, Boston, Massachusetts.
“Making Videos with Students in Integrated Learning Classes” TESOL, March 29, 2012,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“Engaging Students with Videos in Integrated Learning Classes,” The HUIC Arts and
Humanities Conference, January 9, 2012.
“Making Meaning and Connections through Visual Literacy,” (poster presentation)
National Council of Teachers of English, November 19, 2011, Chicago, IL.
“Creating a Course with BITE…Vampires: Their Historical Significance in Literature,
Film, and Pop Culture,” with Dr. Sharon Pajka at Vampires: Myths of the Past and the
Future Conference at the University of London, November 3, 2011, London, England.
“Vampires: Their Historical Significance in Literature, Film, and Pop Culture,” with Dr.
Sharon Pajka, National Association for Media Literacy Education, July 24, 2011,
Philadelphia, PA.
“TEDS 101: Teaching English to Deaf Students in Diverse Settings,” with Jennifer Kaika
(Montgomery College) and Gerald Berent (RIT) at TESOL (Teachers of English to
speakers of Other Languages) on March 17, 2011 in New Orleans, LA.
“Signs of Writers: American Sign Language and English Bilingualism as a Resource for
Authors,” with Drs. Chris Heuer, Sharon Pajka, and Tonya Stremlau, at The
Association of Writers & Writing Programs conference, Saturday, February 5, 2011,
Washington, DC. My presentation was entitled, “Script Writing and Creating Films
in Bilingual Classrooms.”
“Challenging and Engaging Students in Integrated Courses,” with Drs. Jennifer Nelson,
Sharon Pajka, and Tonya Stremlau at the National Council of Teachers of English
conference on November 21, 2010 in Orlando, FL.
“Promoting Positive and Dynamic Writing Experiences for Deaf Students,” with Dr.
Sybil Ishman from NTID. Presented at TESOL (Teachers of English to speakers of
Other Languages) on March 25, 2010, Boston, MA. This was an invited speaker -
Luminary Session.
“Brainstorming Strategies for Promoting Critical Reading Skills for Deaf Readers,” with
Drs. Sybil Ishman, Paige Franklin, and Dave Pancost at TESOL, March 25, 2010,
Boston, MA.
“Revitalizing Engagement in Literature through Visual and Classroom Activities,” with
Drs. Paige Franklin, Sharon Pajka, and Tonya Stremlau, at the National council of
Teachers of English conference on November 20, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA.
"Visual Media Help Deaf Students Build Communities" presented at the Teachers of
English to Speakers of Other Languages 2008 conference, New York City, April 2 –
5, 2008.
“Reflections of society in Film: From Citizen Kane to Erin Brockovich,” presented at the
National Council of Teachers of English conference in San Antonio, Texas,
November 21, 2008. This presentation was part of a panel with Tom and Carol
O’Donnell from Deerfield High School in Illinois, and Louis Mazza from The Arts
Academy at Benjamin Rush, Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, PA. Our
presentations are posted at: rushmediaarts.wikispaces.com/ncte AND on the
conference page: ncte2008.ning.com/forum/topics/media-literacy-shifting-into.
“Helping Freshmen Discover and Shape Their Identities,” presented at the Conference on
College Composition and Communication, March 22, 2007, New York City. This
presentation was part of a panel presentation with my colleagues Marcia Bordman,
Edna Sayers, and Dave Pancost.
“Freshmen—Discovering Their Identities as College Students,” presented at the Special
Interest Group for Teachers of Writing for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the
Conference on College Composition and Communication, March 23, 2007, New York
City.
“Engaged Curriculum Enhances Learning,” presented at Teaching for Success: Literacy,
Diversity and Technology – the Fifth English Think Tank, Gallaudet University, June
15, 2007.
“Visual Media Revolution for Deaf Education,” presented at the National Media
Education Conference, St. Louis, MO, June 25, 2007.
“Highlighting Student Engagement,” presented at the National Council of Teachers of
English, November 16, 2007, New York City.
“Circles of Learning: Communities of Excellence,” The Postsecondary Education
Programs Network Conference, Louisville, Kentucky, April 7, 2006. This
presentation was made with Jane Dillehay, Kubby Rashid, and Tracey Salaway.
“Building Communities for Students in Linked Courses,” presented at the Special Interest
Group for Teachers of Writing for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Conference on
College Composition and Communication, March 26, 2006, Chicago, IL.
“On Common Ground: Four Teachers of the Deaf Relate Their Classroom Experiences
That Challenge Students,” National Council of Teachers of English, Pittsburgh, PA,
November 18, 2005. This presentation was made with Professor Franklin and two
colleagues who teach Deaf students in Pennsylvania.
“Collaborating across Departments and Institutions,” English Think Tank Conference at
the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester, New York, June 24, 2005.
This presentation was made with Professors Bordman, Markowicz, Rach, and
Stremlau.
“E-learning and the Deaf Writing,” Teachers of English to Speakers of Other
Languages,” San Antonio, Texas, March 31, 2005. This presentation was made with
Professors Bordman and Markowicz.
“Analyzing Student Writing,” at the Writing Enhanced Courses Workshop at Gallaudet
University, Washington, DC, May 10, 2005.
“Analysis of Literature, Film and Techniques” at the Integrated Learning at Gallaudet
University Workshop, Washington, DC, February 9, 2005. This presentation was
made with Professor Salaway.
“Helping Deaf College Students Use Critical Reading Strategies to Determine the
Significance of Textbook Selections,” National Council of Teachers of English,
Indianapolis, IN, November 21, 2004.
“Literature and Film: A Critical Thinking Course that Leads to Lifelong Learning,”
Poster Session at The Postsecondary Education Programs Network Conference,
Pittsburgh, PA, April 22, 2004.
“Evaluating Essays Using the Gallaudet Writing Scale,” English Think Tank, Gallaudet
University, June 23-24, 2003.
“Using Literature and Films to Teach Citizenship,” English Think Tank, Gallaudet
University, June 23-24, 2003.
“Creating a Community of Writers in Composition Classes for the Deaf,” Conference on
College Composition and Communication in New York City, March 21, 2003.
“Practical Ways to Create Literacy Portfolios and Include Self-Assessment Strategies in
Your Class,” English Think Tank, Gallaudet University, July 15-16, 2002.
“Accurate Assessment of Literacy Skills: A Possible Task for Educators,” PEPNet 2002
Conference entitled, “Diverse Voices, One Goal,” Kansas City, Missouri, April 10 –
13, 2002.
“Communication Issues in the Deaf World,” a presentation to a Communication Arts
Class at George Washington University, October 9, 2000.
“Lively Discussions Lead to Engaged Learners,” at the 2000 Conference on College
Composition and Communication, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 12 - 15, 2000.
“Discussing Films in Literature Classes for Deaf Students,” at the 1999 Conference on
College Composition and Communication, in Atlanta, Georgia, March 24 - 27,
1999.
“Building Literacy Learning Communities through World Wide Web-Shared Research
Projects,” at the National Council of Teachers of English conference entitled,
“Learning with Our Students: Growing as Teachers,” in Nashville, Tennessee,
November 19-22, 1998.
“Using Literacy Portfolios to Document Student Growth and Reflection,” at the Priority
Area Research Forum at Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, September 30,
1998.
“Using Literacy Portfolios to Guide Students Through Self-Assessment,” at the 1998
Conference on College Composition and Communication, in Chicago, Illinois,
April 1-4, 1998.
“Using Literacy Portfolios to Reveal Some Aspects of Deaf Culture,” at the National
Council of Teachers of English Conference entitled, “Inside Portfolios: Interpreting
the Cultural Artifacts of Literacy,” in San Jose, California, January 15-17, 1998.
“English Department Data and Services Available to Help All Teachers,” Panel
discussion at Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, August 19, 1997.
“English 102- Critical Reading - What’s It All About?” Presented to the tutors of English
Works!, Gallaudet University, April 4, 1997.
“Using Literacy Portfolios for Self-Assessment,” Twenty-fifth Annual Conference of the
State of Maryland International Reading Association Council, March 19 — 21,
1997.
“Using Literacy Portfolios for Self-Assessment,” National Council of Teachers of
English Conference entitled, “Conflict and Consensus: Exploring Diversity and
Standards in the Portfolio Movement,” New Orleans, LA, January 16 - 18, 1997.
“Critical Reading Across Disciplines,” Panel discussion at Enrichment Day, Gallaudet
University, Washington, DC, October 8, 1996.
“New Programs in the English Department,” Panel discussion at Enrichment Day,
Gallaudet University, October 8, 1996.
“Literacy Portfolios: Helping Students Engage in Self-Assessments,” The Annual
Education Conference for Catholic Schools, Camp Hill, PA, September 27, 1995.
“Successful Teaching Methods Used in the SPS English Department,” Panel discussion at
Enrichment Day, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, February, 1995.
“Literacy Portfolios: Helping Students Engage in Self-Assessment,” 1994 Catholic
Schools Convention, Baltimore, MD, Oct. 1994.
Film Festivals
National Council of Teachers of English Film Festival, November 23, 2013, Boston, MA.
Co-chair for each of the NCTE Film Festivals. Responsible for reviewing films,
scheduling eight hours of films during the annual convention, and writing the program for
the film festival.
National Council of Teachers of English Film Festival, November 17, 2012, Las Vegas,
NV.
National Council of Teachers of English Film Festival, November 19, 2011, Chicago, IL.
National Council of Teachers of English Film Festival, November 20, 2010, Orlando, FL.
WORLDEAF Cinema Festival, November 4 – 7, 2010, Gallaudet University,
Washington, DC. Member of the committee. Responsible for getting judges for the
films and ensuring that the judging was fair.
National Council of Teachers of English Film Festival, November 21, 2009, Philadelphia,
PA.
Gallaudet University Committee Work
Gallaudet University Honorary Degree Committee, 2012 – present.
Faculty Development Committee Member, 2009 – present. Co-Chair of this committee,
Fall 2009 – Spring 2012. Faculty Development Committee Presentation to New
Faculty, August 11, 2011 and January 2012.
Student Commencement Speaker Nominations Committee, 2009, 2010, 2011
Member of Collegiate Faculty Committee B: 2005 – 2009.
Member of Collegiate Faculty Committee F: 1999 - 2005. Chair of this Committee, Fall
2000 - 2003.
Member of Collegiate Faculty Committee C: September, 1994 - 2000. Vice-Chair of this
committee, Fall 1998- Spring 1999.
Member of the Tuition and Fees Committee, Fall, 1996 - 1999.
Member of the Tuition and Fees Subcommittee on Distance Education, Fall, 1999.
Member of the Gallaudet Child Development Center Parent Education Committee, 1998.
Member of Collegiate Faculty Committee D: September, 1991 - May, 1994. Chair of this
Committee, Fall 1992.
Member of Collegiate Faculty Senate: September, 1987 - August, 1991.
Member of the Department of Education Centennial Committee: January, 1991 - May,
1992.
Member of Committee on Preparatory Studies: September, 1985 - 1987. Secretary for
this Committee, 1985 - 1986.
Member of the Faculty Development Task Force: October 1985 - 1986.
English Department Committee Work
Member of the English Department Executive Committee, Spring, 1999 – 2009, 20112012, 2014.
Member of the Faculty Evaluation Committee, Fall 1996 – 2009, 2011-present. Chair of
this committee, 2011 – 2012.
Member of the English Department Major Committee, 2010 – 2011.
Member of the New Assessment Committee, Fall 1998 - 2002.
Member of the Testing Committee, Fall, 1999 - 2002.
Member of the English 102/110 Instructional Group, Spring, 1995 -2000
Member of the Freshman Writing Exam Committee, Spring 1997 - Fall, 1998.
Member of the Social Committee, Fall 1996 - present.
Member of the New English Program Assessment Committee - Fall, 1995 - Spring, 1997.
Secretary for this committee for one year.
Member of the Gallaudet English Department Written English Test Committee - Spring,
1995.
English Department/GSR Activities
Coordinator of GSR 102 and 300, Spring 2014 – present.
Rakow Writing Contest Judge – Fall 2011.
Academic Advisor to the following English major: Pershea Jeffewrson. The following
majors and minors have graduated: Derrick Behm, Dylan Hinks, and
Cheyenna Wilding (Spring of 2013). Academic Advisor for two English minor:
Kevin Berrigan and Chanel Gleicher (Spring of 2013). Academic Advisor for Megan
Tice (Self-Directed Major who graduated in the spring of 2012) and for Jonah
Meehan (Self-Directed Major who graduated in August 2011). Academic Advisor to
Kami Padden, Fall 1999-2002.
Freshman/Sophomore Instructional Group Coordinator, Spring, 1999 - 2002.
Coordinator of the English 102/110 Instructional Group, Fall, 1996- Fall, 1998.
Coordinator of Testing for Transfer Students, Fall 1996 - Spring, 1999.
College of Arts and Sciences Newsletter Contact Person for the English Department,
November 1997 – May 1998.
Literacy Liaison for the English Department and the Library, Spring and Fall. 1998.
Testing Coordinator: English Language Program, SPS, August 1985 - May 1987.
Other Contributions to Gallaudet University
Faculty Mentor for an English Department Colleague, Fall 1994.
Faculty Mentor for Students, NWC, August 1994.
Coordinated Research for Dr. Carol LaSasso at the NWC, Spring 1994.
Assessor for the Department of Technical Studies, NWC, Sept. 3, 1992.
Facilitator at the Culture Shock Workshop at the NWC, August 31, 1992.
Note taker at the “ESL in Deaf Education: Bilingualism in Practice’ Conference held at
Gallaudet University, NWC, June 4 - 6, 1992.
Member of the 10th Anniversary Committee, NWC, January 1992 -December 1993.
Coordinated research projects for two doctoral candidates, Andrew Olson from Johns
Hopkins University and Nelson Treece from Harvard University, 1990 - 1991.
Member of the Portfolio Project that focused on designing portfolios to use with our
students. Worked with Dr. Carol Traxler from the Gallaudet Research Department
and Dr. Mary Fowles from the Educational Testing Services, 1990 - 1992.
Chair of the Middle States Association Study Committee that focused on SPS Faculty
Concerns, Spring 1990.
Member of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Gallaudet University, Fall 1988.
Unique Tutor at the School of Preparatory Studies, 1988 - 1989.
New Student Orientation Mini-course Instructor, 1988 - 1991.
Co-coordinator of a Faculty Development Workshop entitled “Faculty Awareness
Workshop on Secondary Handicaps,” Sept. 19, 1985.
Academic Advisor for preparatory students, 1983 - 1987.
AAS Degree Course Development, 1986.
Professional Memberships
Media and Digital Literacies Collaborative, NCTE
National Council of Teachers of English
National Association of Media Literacy Educators Membership Committee, Spring 2009
– Spring 2011.
Teachers of English to speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)