Dr. Jan Hirtz Liberty University is known for her strong contribution to modern science education. She is a dedicated STEM educator who focuses on student engagement, digital learning, and practical teaching methods that work in today’s online environment.
At Liberty University, Dr. Jan Anderson Hirtz serves as a science educator connected with the university’s online academic programs. Her work combines research, classroom experience, and technology to make science easier to understand for middle and high school students.
She has built her career around one goal: helping students stay motivated in science while preparing them for future careers. With a background in biology, chemistry, and curriculum design, she brings both subject expertise and teaching insight to the field of digital STEM education.
Quick Profile Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Jan Anderson Hirtz |
| Institution | Liberty University |
| Primary Role | Science Educator, Online Academy Faculty |
| Field | STEM Education & Curriculum Design |
| Highest Degree | Doctor of Education (EdD) |
| Degree Year | 2020 |
| Research Focus | Technology-enhanced learning, student engagement |
| Key Teaching Areas | Biology, Anatomy, Physics, Earth Science |
| Certifications | Global Career Facilitator (GCF) |
| Location | Southern Virginia, USA |
| Teaching Mode | Online and Hybrid Learning |
Educational Background and Academic Journey
Dr. Hirtz began her academic path with a strong foundation in science. Her early studies focused on biology and chemistry, including advanced coursework that helped her understand scientific concepts at a deeper level.
However, she did not stop at subject knowledge. Over time, she realized that teaching science effectively requires more than content expertise. It requires understanding how students learn, what motivates them, and how to present complex ideas in simple ways.
This realization led her into the field of education. She later pursued a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, completing the degree in 2020.
Her doctoral work focused on improving student engagement through technology. This research-driven approach shaped her teaching philosophy. Today, she uses evidence-based strategies instead of relying on traditional methods alone.
Doctoral Research and Nearpod Study
One of the most important milestones in her career was her doctoral research. Her study explored a key question: Can interactive technology increase student engagement in high school science?
She focused on the use of Nearpod, an interactive presentation platform that allows students to participate in real time. Instead of passively listening, students respond to questions, complete activities, and interact with content during lessons.
Why Engagement Matters in STEM
Science subjects often lose students because they feel difficult or abstract. When students become disengaged, their performance drops. Dr. Hirtz’s research aimed to solve this problem by making learning more active and student-centered.
Key Findings
Her study showed that interactive tools can:
- Increase student attention
- Improve participation
- Support deeper understanding
- Boost motivation in challenging subjects
Real-World Impact
These findings directly influenced her teaching. Today, her online and hybrid courses use interactive methods, multimedia, and student response tools to keep learners involved throughout the lesson.
Career Timeline and Professional Experience
Early Career in High School Education
Before joining university-affiliated programs, Dr. Hirtz spent years teaching science in high school classrooms across Southern Virginia.
She taught multiple subjects, including:
- Biology
- Earth Science
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Physics
Her classrooms focused on hands-on learning and clear explanations. Students were encouraged to ask questions, explore concepts, and connect science to real life.
Career Development Role
In addition to teaching, she became a Certified Global Career Facilitator (GCF). In this role, she helped students understand how their education connects to future career options.
She worked with hundreds of students, guiding them through:
- Career exploration
- College preparation
- Industry awareness
- Goal setting
This experience strengthened her belief that education should prepare students for real-world success.
Transition to Online Education
As digital learning expanded, Dr. Hirtz moved toward online instruction. She recognized that many students, especially in rural areas, needed flexible learning options.
Her focus shifted to designing science courses that work effectively in virtual environments while maintaining the quality of traditional classrooms.
Role at Liberty University Online Academy
At Liberty University Online Academy, Dr. Hirtz plays a key role in delivering online science education.
Subjects She Teaches
- Life Science
- Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Physics
Course Development Responsibilities
Her work includes:
- Designing complete course structures
- Creating lesson plans and assessments
- Recording instructional videos
- Developing interactive activities
Virtual Labs and Interactive Lessons
Science learning requires experimentation. To solve this challenge, she uses:
- Virtual lab simulations
- Demonstration videos
- Interactive problem-solving exercises
These tools allow students to experience scientific processes even from home.
Student Support
She works closely with middle and high school learners, helping them stay on track, understand difficult topics, and build confidence in STEM subjects.
Teaching Philosophy and Instructional Approach
Dr. Hirtz’s teaching approach is built on four key principles.
Active Learning
Students learn better when they participate. Her lessons include quizzes, discussions, and interactive tasks that keep students involved.
Technology with Purpose
She does not use technology just for the sake of it. Each tool is chosen to improve understanding, not to add complexity.
Clear Scientific Thinking
Her courses focus on:
- Step-by-step explanations
- Real-world examples
- Logical problem-solving
Motivation and Accountability
Students are encouraged to set goals, track progress, and take responsibility for their learning. This helps them build long-term academic habits.
Technology Integration in Science Education
Modern science education requires flexible tools. Dr. Hirtz integrates multiple strategies to support different learning styles.
Tools and Methods
- Interactive presentation systems
- Virtual laboratory platforms
- Multimedia animations and diagrams
- Recorded lectures and review sessions
- Self-paced learning modules
Benefits for Students
These methods help:
- Remote learners stay engaged
- Rural students access quality education
- Busy families manage flexible schedules
- Different learning styles succeed
Her work shows that online learning can be effective when designed carefully.
Mentorship and Student Leadership
Beyond teaching, Dr. Hirtz focuses on student growth and leadership.
She supports academic organizations and encourages students to:
- Take leadership roles
- Participate in service projects
- Maintain strong academic standards
Her mentorship approach focuses on three areas:
- Academic excellence
- Personal responsibility
- Character development
This holistic support helps students grow both academically and personally.
Research Interests and Ongoing Academic Focus
Although her main published research focuses on student engagement, her ongoing interests include:
- Effectiveness of digital learning tools
- Motivation in science classrooms
- Online and hybrid curriculum design
- Student interaction in virtual environments
- Technology adoption in K–12 education
Looking ahead, her work is expected to focus on improving personalized learning and making STEM education more accessible.
Community Involvement and Regional Impact
Dr. Hirtz remains active in the Southern Virginia education community.
Her contributions include:
- Supporting local schools
- Promoting academic programs
- Advocating for strong learning environments
- Helping students explore career pathways
She also collaborates with regional organizations to connect students with higher education and workforce opportunities.
Professional Skills and Key Strengths
- Online course design and development
- STEM curriculum planning
- Student engagement strategies
- Career guidance and mentoring
- Research-based instructional methods
- Digital learning implementation
These skills allow her to work effectively across classroom, online, and community settings.
Recognition and Professional Contributions
While her work focuses more on student impact than public recognition, she has earned respect through:
- Positive student feedback
- Leadership in online course development
- Professional certification as a Global Career Facilitator
- Collaboration with educators and faculty
- Contributions to improving digital STEM instruction
Her influence is seen in course quality, student outcomes, and program development.
Vision for the Future of STEM Education
Dr. Hirtz believes the future of education will be more flexible and personalized.
Key trends she supports include:
- Expansion of online learning
- Adaptive and personalized instruction
- Greater access to quality STEM education
- Integration of interactive technology
- Career-focused science education
Her goal is to help students develop both knowledge and skills needed for modern STEM careers.
Why Dr. Jan Hirtz’s Work Matters
The work of Dr. Jan Hirtz Liberty University is important because it addresses major challenges in education.
Her contributions help:
- Improve online K–12 learning quality
- Support students in rural and remote areas
- Make science more engaging and accessible
- Combine traditional teaching with modern technology
By focusing on both research and practice, she plays a role in shaping the future of digital education.
FAQs
Who is Dr. Jan Hirtz?
Dr. Jan Anderson Hirtz is a science educator and curriculum specialist affiliated with Liberty University. She focuses on STEM education, online learning, and student engagement. Her work combines classroom experience, academic research, and digital teaching strategies.
What does she do at Liberty University?
She teaches science courses and helps develop online curriculum through the university’s online academy. Her responsibilities include creating lessons, designing assessments, recording instructional materials, and supporting students in virtual learning environments.
What is her research about?
Her doctoral research studied how interactive technology affects student engagement in high school science. The goal was to understand whether tools like interactive presentations could improve motivation, participation, and learning outcomes in STEM subjects.
What subjects does she teach?
Dr. Hirtz teaches a range of science subjects, including biology, anatomy and physiology, life science, and physics. Her courses are designed for middle and high school students and focus on clear explanations and active learning.
What technology does she use in teaching?
Her courses include virtual labs, interactive presentation tools, multimedia lessons, and recorded demonstrations. These tools help students understand complex concepts and stay engaged even in remote learning environments.
Where does she work?
She works in Southern Virginia and is affiliated with Liberty University’s online education programs. Her teaching and community involvement focus on improving access to quality STEM education in the region.
Conclusion
Dr. Jan Anderson Hirtz has built a career focused on improving science education through research, technology, and student support. Her work at Liberty University reflects a balanced approach that combines strong subject knowledge with modern teaching strategies.
By focusing on engagement, accessibility, and career readiness, she continues to make a meaningful impact in online and hybrid learning. As digital education continues to grow, her contributions help shape a more effective and student-centered future for STEM learning.
