Dr. Jane Marie Spanich’s interdisciplinary leadership has earned recognition from educational, professional, and international organizations that celebrate innovation, service, and transformative leadership. A native of South Florida and a proud alumna of Saint Anthony’s Catholic School and Cardinal Gibbons High School, Dr. Spanich’s commitment to Catholic education is deeply personal. Having experienced firsthand the impact of faith-based education as a student, she now dedicates her career to creating the same sense of community, purpose, and opportunity for the next generation of learners. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from Florida State University, where she developed a global perspective on culture, politics, communities, and the complex challenges facing society. She continued her academic journey at Rollins College, earning a Master of Liberal Studies degree, where her interdisciplinary studies deepened her understanding of the relationship between history, philosophy, quantum theory, foundations of science and culture, and human experience. Dr. Spanich later earned her Ph.D. in Practical Theology from Saint Thomas University, where her scholarship focused on the intersection of Dorothy Day, faith, society, and lived human experiences.
Her commitment to educational excellence has earned recognition at the local, national, and international levels. In 2024, she was named one of the Top 10 STEM Directors in the United States by Education Technology Insights for her innovative approach to interdisciplinary STEM education. In 2025, she was honored as an Influential Woman, recognizing her leadership and impact throughout South Florida. In 2026, she was named a Rising Star in Education (Under 40) by South Florida Business & Wealth, celebrating emerging leaders who are shaping the future of education through innovation, collaboration, and service. For Dr. Spanich, these recognitions represent more than personal achievements; they reflect the collective efforts of students, educators, families, mentors and communities who believe in the transformative power of education. Her greatest mission remains creating opportunities for students and teachers to discover their God-given talents, develop confidence, and recognize their ability to make a meaningful difference in the world.
“As we continue to evolve STREAM, I believe it is important to add another ‘M’ for Medicine—expanding STREAM into STREAMM: Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Medicine, and Mathematics. The addition of Medicine reflects the growing importance of healthcare, biomedical innovation, and compassionate service in preparing students for the future. I also want to continue turning my attention toward emerging fields such as quantum theory, healthy databases, and innovations that can directly improve the lives of people. As technology advances, we have an incredible opportunity to create solutions that promote human health, strengthen communities, and address real-world challenges.
Currently serving as the Director of STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Career Pathways Coordinator at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr. Spanich leads innovative academic pathways designed to prepare students for the future while remaining grounded in faith, service, and community. Her leadership encompasses the Allied Health Science, Business, Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence, Digital Video Technology, EMT, Engineering, and Robotics pathways, creating opportunities for students to explore their passions through hands-on experiences, industry partnerships, research, and authentic problem-solving.
Dr. Spanich is quick to emphasize that the success of these programs is not the result of one individual, but the dedication of a team united by a shared mission. She expresses deep gratitude for the faculty and colleagues who bring these programs to life each day. “I am incredibly grateful for my teams,” she shares. “They show up to meetings, we pray together, we laugh together, we work through challenges together, and we celebrate each other and our students. That sense of community is what makes this work so meaningful.
Dr. Spanich leads initiatives designed to connect academic excellence with authentic real-world experiences. Her work focuses on expanding interdisciplinary STEM opportunities, strengthening industry and community partnerships, developing career-focused pathways, and preparing students for the rapidly changing landscape of science, technology, healthcare, engineering, and emerging fields. At Cardinal Gibbons, Dr. Spanich also serves as the Miami Frost Science Center STEM Competition Moderator, Miami Herald Silver Knight Scholarship Program Coordinator, and VEX Robotics Moderator. Recognizing that teachers are essential to sustainable STEM growth, Dr. Spanich created and directed the STEM Teacher Certification Program at St. Thomas Aquinas High School (2023–2025). She was also an Aquinas Kindness Club Moderator at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 2023-2025 that went to local feeder schools to teach young girls about anti-bullying.
Through TEDx, Dr. Spanich has guided students in exploring complex topics at the intersection of science, technology, environmental sustainability, identity, creativity, perseverance, and social responsibility. Her mentorship has empowered students to recognize that their experiences, questions, and discoveries have value and that young people have the ability to contribute meaningful ideas to the world.
Students whose TEDx presentations were supervised by Dr. Spanich include:
- Laura Aluka — “Bioremediation of Eutrophication” (2025), exploring environmental solutions and the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems.
- Jacob Giron — “Approaching Opportunities: A Story of Perseverance” (2023), sharing a message about resilience, growth, and embracing challenges.
- Isabella Neustein — “You Are More Than a Test Score: Refl ecting on the College Admissions Process, Moving in New Directions” (2023), examining student identity, purpose, and personal growth beyond academic measurements.
- Emma Coronado — “Revitalizing Images: A Brief Refl ection on Identity and STEM” (2023), exploring representation, identity, and the relationship between students and STEM fields.
- Silvia Rodriguez — “E-Waste to E-Potential” (2025), highlighting sustainability, technology, and innovative approaches to electronic waste.
- Mia Medrano — “Invasive Species of South Florida and Satellite Technology” (2025), connecting environmental science with emerging technologies used to understand and protect ecosystems.
- Skylar Hooley — “The Unexpected Places of Creativity” (2020), exploring imagination, innovation, and the role of creativity in human development.
Beyond mentoring student speakers, Dr. Spanich also brought distinguished leaders, researchers, innovators, and professionals to the TEDx St. Thomas Aquinas High School stage. These speakers exposed students to diverse perspectives and demonstrated how ideas can create meaningful change across industries and communities.
As Miami Herald Silver Knight Scholarship Coordinator, she has helped cultivate a culture of excellence in scholarship, leadership, and community service. Under her leadership, Cardinal Gibbons and St. Thomas Aquinas students have earned the highest number of Silver Knight Awards among Catholic high schools in Broward County in the last few years, demonstrating sustained excellence in academic achievement and civic engagement. Her students have also distinguished themselves through STEM research competitions, engineering design challenges, robotics events, healthcare initiatives, and innovation showcases. Student researchers have explored subjects ranging from biomedical engineering and environmental sustainability to artificial intelligence, prosthetic development, marine engineering, and healthcare innovation. Last year, Cardinal Gibbons students had some of the top awards in the Cardinal Gibbons STEM Program that partnered with Miami Frost Center in Miami.
For Dr. Spanich, however, awards are never the final goal.
“The recognition is wonderful,” she says, “but the real victory happens months before the award ceremony, when students begin believing in themselves.” “I have also had some pretty incredible mentors and teachers over the years – plus my faith and family are powerful support systems.”
“The greatest gift of education is laughing with my students every day,” she says. “Those moments of joy, curiosity, and shared accomplishment remind me why I became an educator. Watching students discover their gifts, overcome obstacles, and realize they are capable of extraordinary things is the greatest reward any teacher could receive.” I think it is also important for teachers to be role models for their students albeit with service, compassion, discipline, and health.
In 2026, Dr. Spanich was recognized as a Rising Star in Education by South Florida Business & Wealth, honoring emerging leaders who are making significant contributions within their professional fields and communities. The recognition highlights her work as an educational leader advancing STEM, STREAM, and innovative learning opportunities for students.
In 2025, Dr. Spanich received the Influential Women Award, recognizing her contributions to education, student development, leadership, and community impact. Her profile highlights her role as Director of STREAM and Silver Knight Coordinator at Cardinal Gibbons High School, along with her commitment to interdisciplinary education, student mentorship, and creating opportunities for young people to explore science, technology, leadership, and service.
Her commitment to connecting faith, technology, and ethical reflection has also gained recognition beyond traditional STEM circles. In 2025, Dr. Spanich was invited to present on “AI and Teaching Theology” through the Contextually Engaged Theological Education (CETE) Foundation, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, theological reflection, education, and the ethical questions emerging from rapidly advancing technologies. This work reflects her ongoing scholarly focus on artificial intelligence, consciousness, human identity, and the responsibility educators have in preparing students for an AI-driven future.
Through peer-reviewed publications, scholarly reviews, and interdisciplinary research, Dr. Spanich examines one of the defining questions of the modern era: How can humanity advance technological innovation, quantum studies, and science while preserving human dignity, moral responsibility, and authentic relationships?
Her scholarly writing journey began with her Master’s thesis that focused on The Odyssey and Border Philosophy, her dissertation on Dorothy Day and review of John Swinton and Harriet Mowat’s Practical Theology and Qualitative Research, 2nd Edition, published through Boston University’s Center for Practical Theology and the American Academy of Religion’s Reading Religion. This work examined how practical theology engages lived human experiences through qualitative research methodologies, shaping Dr. Spanich’s ongoing commitment to connecting theory with practice. Her scholarship reflects the belief that education must not only analyze data but also understand the human stories, relationships, and communities behind that data.boration, and authentic student experiences.
Continuing this exploration, Dr. Spanich has reviewed influential works addressing the relationship between religion, culture, ethics, and social transformation. Her AAR publications include reviews of:
- Peter Bellini’s Artifi cial General Intelligence (AGI) and the Image of God: Can Machines Attain Consciousness and Receive Salvation? (2025), a work that directly connects with her current research interests in artificial intelligence, consciousness, theology, and the philosophical implications of emerging technologies. Through this scholarship, Dr. Spanich explores one of the most significant questions facing humanity: whether artificial intelligence can ever possess consciousness and what such developments mean for theological understandings of humanity, creation, and the image of God.
- Robert Wuthnow’s Faith Communities and the Fight for Racial Justice: What Has Worked, What Hasn’t, and Lessons We Can Learn (2024), which examines the role of faith communities in addressing social inequalities and advancing justice. This work aligns with Dr. Spanich’s commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and the belief that education must inspire students to serve their communities.
- Susan E. Hylen’s Finding Phoebe: What New Testament Women Were Really Like (2023), which explores the historical and theological contributions of women in early Christianity. This scholarship reflects Dr. Spanich’s interest in recovering important narratives and examining how historical perspectives influence contemporary understandings of leadership and community.
- Roy Peachey’s Pope, Emperors, and Elephants: The First Thousand Years of Christian Culture (2022), which examines the development of Christian culture and the relationship between faith, history, and society.
- Maureen K. Day’s Catholic Activism Today (2022), exploring contemporary Catholic engagement and the role of faith-based communities in social transformation.
- Philip R. Davies’ The Bible for the Curious: A Brief Encounter (2019), examining approaches to biblical interpretation and encouraging thoughtful engagement with Scripture and scholarship.
- Miroslav Volf’s Flourishing: Why We Need Religion in a Globalized World (2016), addressing the importance of religion, meaning, and human flourishing within an increasingly interconnected world.
Dr. Spanich’s scholarly work informs her vision for the future of Catholic education. She believes the next generation of schools must be built upon four essential foundations:
Community — because meaningful learning occurs through relationships, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Christian Personalism — because every student possesses inherent dignity, creativity, and potential that must be nurtured.
Artificial Intelligence Ethics — because technological advancement must be guided by wisdom, morality, and responsibility.
Emerging Scientific Thought, Including Quantum Theory — because new discoveries require deeper philosophical reflection about consciousness, reality, and the nature of existence. Quantum Theory and Roman Catholic Praxis is part of the future of Roman Catholic Education.
For Dr. Spanich, the future of education is not a choice between faith and science, technology and humanity, or innovation and tradition. Instead, she believes the greatest educational opportunities emerge when these disciplines engage in conversation. It is okay to innovate, as long as you remember the people it serves – the children, women, immigrants, mothers, fathers, teachers, politicians, business persons, creation, the poor, the wealthy, the marginalized. Her scholarship, teaching, and leadership reflect one central conviction: the purpose of knowledge is not merely to understand the world, but to use that understanding to serve humanity for peace, dignity and compassion for others.
For Dr. Jane Marie Spanich, education has always been inseparable from service. Her leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the Catholic understanding that every person possesses inherent dignity and that knowledge carries a responsibility to serve others. Throughout her life, she has remained committed to community outreach, social justice, environmental stewardship, and compassionate service to those in need.
Her involvement with numerous nonprofit organizations reflects her belief that faith must be lived through action. These experiences have shaped her approach to Catholic education, where students are encouraged not only to achieve academic excellence but also to become servant leaders who recognize their responsibility to their communities.
Dr. Spanich has volunteered with organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations, promoting human dignity, strengthening families, and addressing social needs throughout South Florida and beyond. Her service experiences include:
- Respect Life (Archdiocese of Miami) — Supporting initiatives focused on the dignity and value of human life.
- Missionaries of Charity (Archdiocese of Miami) — Serving alongside a community dedicated to compassion, charity, and care for individuals experiencing poverty and hardship.
- Saint Vincent de Paul (Miami) — Supporting outreach efforts providing assistance and resources to individuals and families in need.
- HOPE South Florida Broward Outreach Center (Medical Ward) — Serving individuals experiencing homelessness through healthcare-related outreach and compassionate support.
- Kids in Distress (After Care Program) — Supporting children and families through programs designed to provide stability, care, and opportunities for growth.
- Catholic Relief Services (Box of Joy) — Participating in service initiatives that provide support and gifts to children in vulnerable communities.
- The Catholic Worker Movement — Engaging with a tradition of faith-based service, social justice, and advocacy for those experiencing poverty and marginalization.
- Cross Catholic Outreach — Supporting global humanitarian efforts serving communities in need.
- Camillus House (Miami, Florida) — Supporting outreach efforts providing services and care for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Pax Christi — Participating in faith-based efforts promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation.
- NASA Educational Outreach — Supporting opportunities that connect students and communities with science, exploration, and innovation.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Immokalee, Florida — Supporting community-focused ministry and outreach efforts serving agricultural and immigrant communities.
For Dr. Jane Marie Spanich, the greatest privilege of education is found in the daily relationships built between teachers and students. “The greatest gift of education is laughing with my students every day,” she says. “Those moments of joy, curiosity, and shared accomplishment remind me why I became an educator. Watching students discover their gifts, overcome obstacles, and realize they are capable of extraordinary things is the greatest reward any teacher could receive.” She believes that meaningful learning happens when students feel known, valued, challenged, and supported. A classroom should be a place where students are encouraged to ask questions, embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, celebrate growth, and recognize their own potential.
Dr. Spanich also believes that educators have a responsibility beyond teaching academic content—they are called to be role models who demonstrate the values they hope to inspire in their students. Teachers model service, compassion, kindness, discipline, perseverance, integrity, and healthy living through their daily actions. She believes students learn not only from what educators teach but from how they treat others, respond to challenges, and live their own lives. Rooted in Christian personalism, Dr. Spanich believes that every person has inherent dignity and purpose, and that kindness is one of the most powerful ways educators can transform a school community. By creating environments built on respect, empathy, encouragement, and genuine care for others, teachers help form students into compassionate leaders who use their talents not only for personal success but for the good of their communities.
“In the end,” Dr. Spanich reflects, “education is not about creating perfect students or perfect teachers. It is about helping young people discover who they are, recognize the unique gifts God has given them, and develop the courage and compassion to use those gifts in service of others. It is also about reminding educators that they, too, are called to continue growing, learning, and discovering their own purpose.”
“If I have helped even a few students—and a few teachers—recognize their potential, find joy in learning, and understand that their lives have a meaningful purpose, then I have been incredibly blessed. Education is a gift because every day we have the opportunity to witness growth, celebrate accomplishments, and walk alongside others as they become the people they were created to be.”
