Steph Dean, Ph.D.

Steph is an Assistant Professor of Science Education within the Department of Teaching & Learning at Clemson University. She received her PhD in science education research from George Mason University with a focus on outdoor education. Steph uses qualitative methods to explore teaching and learning in outdoor and place-based environments, with a growing emphasis on rural education. With over eleven years of experience as a K–8 educator, she is particularly interested in how rural schools can draw on their local places and communities as assets for authentic, standards-aligned learning. Her work is grounded in sustained partnerships with rural schools and teachers. These partnerships have included collaboratively redesigning teacher-education courses, supporting outdoor and experiential learning, and studying rural science education. Steph also recognizes that learning extends beyond classroom walls and is interested in informal learning within Forest Schools, parks, community spaces, and other outdoor environments.

Contact: [email protected]