from theory to practice

S. Dean

My approach to educational leadership and instruction combines critical analysis, creative expression, and a keen understanding of power dynamics within schools. As an artist and educator, I leverage technology and innovative practices to create engaging educational spaces that push the boundaries of traditional learning. Drawing on theoretical frameworks, real-world experiences, and artistic concepts, I design learning - environments that empower educators and students alike. Through the integration of multimedia, digital tools, and interactive methods, I challenge educational leaders to reflect deeply, think critically, and act decisively. My goal is to cultivate leaders who are not only equipped to navigate complex educational landscapes but who also inspire meaningful change in their schools and communities through the transformative power of art and technology.

Press

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Writing

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Accolades

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Workshops

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Press 〰️ Writing 〰️ Accolades 〰️ Workshops 〰️

FAU, Graduate Student Spotlight

WSFL, Super Teachers

Ed Prep Matters, Author Archive

Big Data

Holmes Scholar of the Month

Chale Wote, Artist & Pannelist

  • SPIRIT ROBOT Panel

  • (re)Programing Pan-African Discourse: a vertical landscape

Workshop, Miami Design

  • Indigenous Design: Weaving Symbols of our Past into Fans

Education

Ph. D, Curriculum & Instruction

  • current matriculation, Florida Atlantic University 

​M.Ed., Educational Leadership

  • Florida Atlantic University 

MA, Africana Pedagogy

  • New York University 

BA, English Literature; minor, Africana Studies

  • University of Central Florida

Fellowship, Communications

  • University of Tennessee

Presentations

  • Dean, S. L.  (2019) Black Girlhood: From Controlling Images to Magic. National Black Child Development Institute. Workshop seminar with Dr. Traci Baxley and Alexandria Baxley at National Black Child Development Institute.

  • Dean, S. L.  (2019) A Story to Tell: Ethnography, Autoethnography, and the Implications for Underrepresented Researchers. Presentation with Danna Demezier at The University of Central Florida’s Research and Scholarship Expo.

  • Dean, S. L. (2019) Non-Traditional Mentoring in the Digital Age: Models for Supplementary Research Mentorship for PhD Students. Poster presented at The University of Central Florida’s Research and Scholarship Expo.                                                       

  • Dean, S. L. (2018) Incorporating Canvas into your Instructional Practice -A How to from Top to Bottom. Presentation with Ricardo Rodriguez at Boyd Anderson High School Professional Development Session.

  • Dean, S. L. (2018) Yes, We Khan: Helping Students use Khan Academy as a Supplement to meet Academic Goals. Presentation with Dr. Josh Viau at Boyd Anderson High School Professional Development Session.

  • Dean, S. L. (2018) #CobrasChunk: Using Accessible Writing Strategies to Improve Student Essays. Presentation with Janai Bowens at Boyd Anderson High School Professional Development.

  • Dean, S. L. (2016) A special conversation about state failure, artistic subversion, digital technologies and horror cultures in Ghana. Panel presentation at The Labs: Chale Wote, Accra, Ghana.

  • Dean S. L.  (2007) Reading Society: Exploring the relationship between Social Literacy and Agency in Antebellum Slave Narratives.  Poster presented at the Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence, Orlando, FL.

  • Dean S. L.  (2006) Contemporary Abolition: How the American Anti-Slavery Group uses forms of communication to combat modern slavery. Poster presented at the annual McNair National Research Conference, Penn State.

  • Dean S. L.  (2005) Francis Bok, Contemporary Abolitionist Movements and the Re-emergence of the Slave Narrative Genre. Poster presented at the Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence, Orlando, Fl.

  • Dean S. L.  (2005) Intergenerational Relationships in the literature of Toni Morrison, Isabelle Allende and Edwidge Danticat.  Poster presented at the annual Association for the Study of African American Life and History Conference, Buffalo, NY.

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Grants & Fellowships

  • Holmes Scholars Fellowship (2018) 

  • Provost Fellowship (2018) 

  • Broward Education Foundation Teacher Grant (2017)​. Awarded for Humans of ... High School: an interdisciplinary multi-media project that facilitated 90 high school students through a web-published exploration of micro-narratives. 

  • Research and Mentoring Program, University of Central Florida (2007) Under the tutelage of Dr. Kevin Meehan developed, researched and presented the following research projects:  “Intergenerational Relationships in the literature of Toni Morrison, Isabelle Allende and Edwidge Danticat; Francis Bok, contemporary abolitionist movements and the re-emergence of the slave narrative genre; and Reading Society: Exploring the relationship between Social Literacy and Agency in Antebellum Slave Narrative.

  • McNair Fellowship, University of Tennessee (2006) Under the tutelage of Dr. Naima Clarke developed, researched and presented the research project:  “Contemporary Abolition: How the American Anti-Slavery Group uses forms of communication to combat modern slavery.

 

Educational Service

  • HAC Ghana, Consultant, Grant Writing & Curriculum Development (2014 – present).

  • The Language Lab, Boyd Anderson High School (2017-2023)


Relevant Experience

  • 2015. A Weaving: Contemporary/Indigenous Conflations. Art Exhibit

  • 2014. In the Beginning was the Word: Deification of Diasporic text . Art Exhibit. 

S. Dean  is an accomplished educational leader with expertise in curriculum alignment, student achievement, and professional development. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Arts in Pedagogy from New York University. Throughout her career, Dean has successfully led initiatives to enhance instructional practices, integrate digital media in education, and implement data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.

With a deep commitment to equity and student success, Dean has developed collaborative partnerships with educators and community stakeholders to foster inclusive learning environments. She is highly skilled in facilitating professional development, coaching teachers, and guiding instructional teams toward measurable improvements in both student performance and teaching effectiveness.

Dean’s leadership philosophy centers on empowering educators and building school communities that promote continuous learning, innovation, and high standards for all students. Her dedication to educational excellence ensures that both staff and students are supported in achieving their full potential.