Title: Secondary Teacher of Statistics, Psychology and Government
Company: Horizon Honors Schools
Location: Chandler, Arizona, United States
Nicole C. Jacobs, PhD, Secondary Teacher of Statistics, Psychology and Government at Horizon Honors Schools, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Education.
Dr. Jacobs has established herself as a dedicated educator, currently serving as a secondary teacher at Horizon Honors School, a K-12, tuition-free, public school system based in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2023. In this capacity, she teaches advanced placement government, advanced placement psychology and advanced placement statistics in extended block classes, while providing differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Dr. Jacobs designs and implements lesson plans that align with the College Board standards and prepares students for real-world application of knowledge, including civic engagement such as voting. She also incorporates research-based instructional strategies to foster critical thinking and engagement, utilizing simulations, debates and data analysis. Dr. Jacobs’s guidance extends to interactive projects, such as simulating the passage of a bill through the U.S. Congress, which connect classroom theories with practical experience.
Before joining Horizon Honors School, Dr. Jacobs began her role as a professor of psychology at Arizona State University in 2021. She continues to contribute to curriculum development and student mentorship on campus while integrating her research expertise into classroom instruction. Dr. Jacobs is recognized for her ability to bridge academic scholarship with practical teaching, earning distinction for her innovative approaches.
Teaching since 2019, Dr. Jacobs began her academic tenure at her alma mater, Grand Canyon University, where she taught as an adjunct professor of psychology from 2019 to 2025. There, she developed and delivered courses that emphasized the intersection of psychological theory and real-world application. Dr. Jacobs’s commitment to student success was evident in her efforts to foster analytical thinking and self-efficacy among learners.
Additionally, Dr. Jacobs taught as an adjunct professor of psychology at Chandler-Gilbert Community College from 2020 to 2023, expanding her impact by reaching students at various stages of their academic journeys and further honing her skills in curriculum design and inclusive pedagogy.
Before embarking on her teaching career, Dr. Jacobs worked in finance at General Motors Financial Company, Inc., where she gained valuable experience in quantitative analysis and business operations. However, she found the demanding schedule unappealing and ultimately decided to pursue her passion for education.
Dr. Jacobs began her educational journey at Arizona State University, acquiring a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice in 2010 and a Bachelor of Science in sociology in 2012. Subsequently, she earned a Master of Business Administration in finance from Grand Canyon University in 2016, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in general psychology with an emphasis in cognition and instruction in 2021. This advanced study provided the foundation for her research on teacher self-efficacy, a principle that continues to inform her teaching philosophy today. In addition to her academic credentials, Dr. Jacobs holds a standard school counselor certification from the Arizona Department of Education for pre-kindergarten through grade 12, obtained in 2025.
Dr. Jacobs is an active member of the American Psychological Association. Civic engagement is also central to her professional identity. Since 2020, she has been actively involved with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, serving as a featured speaker for the coalition’s core advocacy training program. In this role, Dr. Jacobs presents on critical issues, including survivor support, trauma-informed care, systemic advocacy and navigating community resources. Her contributions provide insight into best practices for empowering survivors while fostering a culture of safety and accountability within communities.
Beyond her work-related ventures, Dr. Jacobs’ impact extends to creative projects. Most notably, she was a contributor to “Let’s Talk Teal: A Pathway to Healing,” a 2022 half-hour special that raised awareness of healing pathways for survivors of sexual violence made possible by her collaborations with the City of Phoenix Human Services Department and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Dr. Jacobs’s excellence as an educator has been recognized through multiple honors, including being named a two-time recipient of the Professor of Impact Award at Arizona State University. She attributes much of her success to an innate curiosity and drive that have been present since childhood, as well as the motivation she derives from the transformative power of education.
Throughout her career, Dr. Jacobs has demonstrated a unique ability to merge teaching, research and civic engagement into a cohesive professional journey. Looking ahead, she aims to continue growing at Horizon Honors School by teaching government, psychology and statistics in ways that prepare students for both academic achievement and responsible citizenship, while remaining dedicated to meaningful outreach through collaborations with organizations such as the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence and the Phoenix Police Department.
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