CEI Honors First Dual Credit Instructor as Faculty of the Year
May 06, 2026
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — College of Eastern Idaho has named Jessica Harker as its Faculty of the Year for the Sciences, marking a milestone for the institution as she becomes the first dual credit instructor to receive the honor.
Harker, who teaches at Firth High School, has partnered with CEI since 2020 to deliver college-level coursework to high school students. She currently teaches BIOL 201/L, CHEM 101/L, CHEM 111/L, and MICR 111/L, giving students in Eastern Idaho a head start on their college education while still in high school.
In the 2025–2026 academic year alone, more than 160 students have enrolled in Harker’s dual credit courses. CEI faculty report that students who continue into advanced coursework on campus, including BIOL 202 and CHEM 112, consistently demonstrate strong preparation and success. Her courses also play a critical role in preparing Firth High School students pursuing STEM and healthcare pathways, providing the foundational knowledge essential for success in those fields.
Jacob Haeberle, Dean of General and Transfer Education said, “The fact that this year’s Associate of Science Faculty of the Year is a dual credit instructor—the first to receive this recognition—highlights both the strength of College of Eastern Idaho’s partnerships with our local high schools and the high standards we maintain across all our courses, no matter where they are taught.”
Harker received an overwhelming number of student nominations for the award, with many highlighting her ability to make complex subjects engaging and approachable.
One student wrote, “She has gotten me to love science as a subject, especially chemistry. The way she portrays these subjects is extraordinary.”
The recognition underscores the growing impact of CEI’s dual credit program, which connects high school students with college-level opportunities across the region. Harker’s work reflects the program’s ability to prepare students academically while building confidence in their ability to succeed in higher education.
As a Faculty of the Year recipient, Harker is now eligible to apply for the GEM Innovative Educator Award through the Idaho State Board of Education, which will be awarded later this fall. CEI recipients have earned recognition at the state level in each of the past two years.
To learn more about CEI’s dual credit program, visit www.cei.edu/early-college.