My academic passion
I am passionate about education for justice and freedom. My specific focus is on intersectional feminism and gender diversity in education. I believe that the power of learning about history and different perspectives is key to increasing empathy and building a more just society.
I started teaching at Naz in 2007 and have focused my teaching, research, and writing on how we learn about gender, sex, and sexuality in and outside of school. I am researching and developing courses connecting the history of ableism, eugenics, and patriarchy to current attempts to police bodies and restrict curriculum in schools.
Favorite courses
My favorite courses to teach are Gender & Education and History & Philosophy of Education. Both are increasingly relevant and important, as public education is currently under attack, and there is a movement to return to stereotypical gender norms.
Is Barbie Feminist? What do we learn about gender from toys?
Does Barbie reinforce traditional gender roles and unrealistic beauty standards for girls? Or does she provide a vehicle for understanding feminine forms of power and leadership? Or is she a complex reflection of our own understanding of gender and femininity? Rachel Bailey Jones' answer: All of the above — and more.
Why Naz?
I love Naz for the people. My students have taught me as much as I have taught them, and we grow together. My faculty and staff colleagues are amazing; my collaborations with them have been a highlight of my career. Working with Dr. Maria Hopkins to found the Teaching Innovation & Integration Lab (TIIL) and with Dr. Kim Winden and student Lucy Rutherford on the All-Gender Bathroom Project are examples of the meaningful work we do together.
Lucy and I shared a passion for inclusivity and increasing access to bathroom spaces across campus. Our work recently brought us six all-gender bathrooms in Golisano Academic Center and the first ever all-gender bathroom in Smyth Hall, huge steps forward for Phase I of the project. I look forward to continuing the work, collaborating with students, faculty, and staff to address the remaining bathroom deserts.
Advice for students
Teaching is very challenging but so rewarding as well. I advise future teachers to be clear about your values, your connection to building inclusive and empathetic communities, and to be brave about advocating for your students and your values.
Fun fact
My first book was quoted in the New Yorker, where Adam Gopnik called me a “hyper-critical cultural studies maven.” I was asked to be a guest on the Dr. Phil Show in 2023; I declined.
Honor
Selected by Nazareth faculty as the Distinguished Colleague for 2024–25. As colleague Susan Sturm wrote: "Her unique ability to infuse pop culture into her classes engages students and helps them connect academic concepts to the world around them. Rachel's dedication to social justice is evident in how she empowers her students to become advocates for change. Her classes encourage critical thinking and active learning, and she has become known as one of the most thought-provoking and engaging professors in the School of Education. As one of the co-founders of our Teaching Integration & Innovation Lab, Rachel has created a lasting impact on our institution's commitment to excellence in teaching."
TEDx talk
Student Perspective
“Dr. Rachel Bailey Jones pushes us to think critically about the world around us, and the changes we can influence to create an uplifting and affirming society. To learn from RBJ is truly a gift, as she is constantly working to push our learning past basic understanding to ignite meaningful action,” says Lucy Rutherford '25 (inclusive childhood education and English), who continued at Nazareth for an inclusive education specialty master’s degree.