An Assistant Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Bradley University in Peoria, Jana holds a master's degree in Educational Administration from Bradley and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Illinois State University. A native of Illinois, Jana taught eighth grade language arts at Broadmoor Junior High School in Pekin District 108 for seven years before moving into school administration. Serving three years as Dean of Students at ISU's Thomas Metcalf School, she served as principal of Paul Bolin and Neil Armstrong Schools in East Peoria District 86 for a total of five years, and as principal of Lincoln Grade School in Washington District 52 for one year. In addition to her university faculty position, Jana serves part time as the National Board Regional Coordinator for Illinois Area 3. She recently wrote and published a book for teachers entitled The Leverage of National Board Candidacy.