About the Authors
J. T. Markham-Bartlett
J.T. holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in English with a Concentration in Research from Virginia Commonwealth University (2015, 2017). She served as a Writing Consultant, Teaching Assistant and a Research Assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University. J.T. Markham is an Instructor of English at Davidson Davie Community College, where she has been teaching since 2022 and serves on the Teaching and Learning Advisory Board.
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Her research has focused on writing pedagogy, the role of non-verbal communication in virtual and face-to-face instruction, adult learning theory’s application to virtual and hybrid curriculum. She is currently a student in the doctoral program for Curriculum and Instruction at Gardner-Webb University.
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Email: jtmarkham@gmail.com
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Aftan Smith
Aftan holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Winston Salem State University (2009). She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (2012). Aftan has been an NC certified Special Education and Middle Grades Math (6-9) Educator for 14 years and she is currently a teacher in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system. Aftan is also a current doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction with Gardner-Webb University.
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Aftan is a member of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), the Council for Exceptional Children, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators.
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Aftan’s research interests include the retention of female African American students in doctoral programs, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion in the educational sector.
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Email: aftansmith@gmail.com
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