Jennifer Tuff, Ph.D.
Fort Worth, Texas
(650) 430-1307 | jennifer.tuff@gmail.com
RESEARCH AGENDA
My research examines how disciplinary literacy strategies influence student self-efficacy, comprehension of scientific texts, and academic achievement in secondary science classrooms. My work integrates practitioner inquiry with empirical educational research to better understand how literacy practices support student success in STEM learning.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Disciplinary literacy in science education; student self-efficacy in STEM learning; practitioner research in secondary science classrooms; science literacy and student achievement; secondary science teacher preparation.
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Science Education, 2025
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas
Dissertation:
Tuff, J. (2025).
The Effect of Deliberate Reading Strategy Instruction in Biology on Student Self-Efficacy.
Doctoral dissertation, Texas Christian University.
M.Ed., Education, 2019
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas
Thesis: Are Digital Literacy Programs Delivering on Promised Benefits in Their Target Classrooms?
California Single Subject Teaching Credential – Biological Sciences
California State University, Long Beach
B.S., Kinesiology (Coaching and Sport Psychology)
Minor: Psychology
California State University, Long Beach
Science Department Chair & Biology Instructor
North Side High School – Fort Worth ISD
2009–Present
Teach secondary biology with emphasis on scientific literacy and disciplinary reading strategies
Implement disciplinary literacy strategies to improve student comprehension of complex scientific texts
Conduct practitioner research examining literacy strategy implementation and student self-efficacy in biology learning
Lead departmental collaboration on curriculum alignment and instructional practices
Mentor preservice and early-career science teachers through clinical teaching placements
Summer Instructor and Academic Tutor
Upward Bound Program – Texas Wesleyan University
2016–Present
Provide academic instruction for first-generation college-bound students in STEM coursework
Mentor students in college readiness, academic writing, and scientific reasoning
AWARDS AND HONORS
Fort Worth Magazine Top Teacher, 2023
North Side High School Teacher of the Year, 2021–2022
Shirley Gibson Chapman Scholarship, Texas Christian University, 2021–2024
Student Teacher of the Year, California State University, Long Beach, 2009
PUBLICATIONS
Tuff, J. E. (2021). Finding resilience as a teacher during and after COVID. In K. Varner, C. Scott, S. Ladd, S. Bickmore, P. G. Schrader, & M. Murray (Eds.), Corona Chronicles 3.0: Learning to Live, Living to Lead with COVID.
Anderson, S., & Tuff, J. Technology, Universal Design for Learning, and Culturally Responsive Secondary Science Education.
RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
Tuff, J. (manuscript in preparation). Student Achievement Outcomes Following the Implementation of Disciplinary Literacy Strategies in High School Biology.
Tuff, J. (manuscript in preparation). A Framework for Implementing Disciplinary Literacy Strategies in Secondary Biology Classrooms.
Tuff, J. (data analysis in progress). Student Achievement Trends Following Year-Long Implementation of Disciplinary Literacy Strategies in Biology.
Tuff, J. (longitudinal study in development). Disciplinary Literacy and Advanced Academic Pathways.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Tuff, J. E., Berlin, H. C., & Read, H. B. (2018). Improving Content Understanding with Relevant Non-Fiction Reading. Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST), Fort Worth, Texas.
Tuff, J. E., Read, H., & Pederson, P. (2023). Our Kids Need Paper! Increasing Analog Assignments in a Digital Landscape. Preparate: Educating Latinos for the Future of America, College Board Conference, Los Angeles, California.
Tuff, J. E., Berlin, H. C., & Read, H. B. (2023). Go Hybrid! Bridging Digital and Analog Teaching and Learning to Improve Student Engagement and Learning. National Science Teaching Association Conference, Kansas City, Kansas.
Tuff, J. E. (2023). Presentation at the School Science and Mathematics Association Conference.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT)
Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE)
School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA)
LICENSURE
Texas State Board for Educator Certification – Life Science (Grades 8–12)
Texas State Board for Educator Certification – Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (EC–12)
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing – Single Subject Biological Sciences
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing – Foundational-Level General Science