AAEE Recognizes Janice S. Jones Scholarship Program Recipients
AAEE Recognizes Janice S. Jones Scholarship Program Recipients
The American Association for Employment in Education (AAEE) is proud to recognize the recipients of the annual **Janice S. Jones Scholarship Program**, which supports aspiring and early-career educators committed to serving high-need schools and advancing equity in education.
Mayra Montalvan is a Spanish educator in Connecticut with experience teaching across elementary, middle, and high school levels. She currently teaches middle school Spanish while completing her Master’s in Education. Mayra is passionate about helping students build confidence through meaningful language learning and focuses on creating engaging, student-centered lessons that promote communication, cultural understanding, and a positive classroom community.
As a dedicated teacher and mother of three, Mayra is deeply committed to supporting diverse learners and helping students see language as a powerful tool for connection and opportunity. She is proud to serve in a critical-need area and looks forward to continuing to grow her long-term career in the classroom.
Nishant Patel, an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science with a concentration in Math Education. His academic program integrates advanced coursework in mathematics and computer science with professional preparation in teaching methods, curriculum design, and classroom instruction. Nishant is preparing to become a secondary mathematics educator and is particularly motivated to serve schools facing a critical shortage of qualified math teachers.
As a future teacher of color, Nishant is committed to fostering inclusive, supportive, and equitable learning environments where all students feel represented and encouraged to succeed. He believes representation in education plays a vital role in student confidence, engagement, and academic achievement—especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. His long-term goals include teaching in high-need schools, contributing to curriculum development, mentoring students, and supporting initiatives that strengthen diversity and equity in mathematics and STEM education.
AAEE congratulates both scholarship recipients and celebrates their dedication to the teaching profession and to making a meaningful impact in schools and communities.
