Director of Secondary Education
Dennis Eastman spent 15 years serving in multiple roles in the field of education (Social Studies teacher, coach, Athletic Director and Director of Faculty Induction) before becoming the principal of Nova Academy Early College High School, in Santa Ana, California. During his tenure as principal, U.S. News and World Report recognized Nova Academy with a Bronze Medal ranking as one of the most improved schools in California.
Eastman is currently serving Biola University as the Director of Secondary Education where he is able to combine his faith, expertise and enthusiasm for teaching and coaching into preparing the next generation of high quality educators.
Over the past ten years, Eastman has travelled extensively internationally with the goal of working alongside administrators and faculty in local schools to create inclusive, active, and effective learning strategies for all students.
Eastman's research agenda has focused on equipping teachers in student motivation, program design, creating an environment of attempt for all learners and preparing teachers in international settings.
Presented on "Active strategies in literacy." November 2019.
Presented on "Assessment that informs instruction and promotes differentiation." November 2019.
Presented on "Equipping strategies for language learners." November 2019.
Presented on "Managing small groups." November 2019.
Presented on "Educators professional development series." October 2019.
Presented on "The power of self-reflection." August 2019.
Presented on "Is this on the test? Practical strategies for formal and informal assessment."
Presented on "Classroom management: Refocusing on what motivates behavior: Peeling back the multiple layers of misbehavior in the classroom to cultivate an effective learning environment." August 2019.
Presented on "Made to move: Strategies to assist students with ADHD." August 2019.
Presented on "I have the right to learn! Looking beyond challenges into strengths and talents." August 2019.
Presented on "Mindful and social emotional learning strategies in the inclusive classroom." August 2019.
Presented on "Foundational practices and strategies in the inclusive classroom." August 2019.
Co-presented with C. Bishop on "Educators professional development series." November 2018.
Co-presented with J. Yang on "Educators professional development series." August 2018.
Presented keynote address on "They could not, I would not: Speaking up for those in need in your classroom." August 2018.
Presented on "Help me understand: Walking a mile in the shoes of students with learning and emotional needs." August 2018.
Presented on " Creating an environment of motivation for all students." August 2018.
Presented on " Creating an environment of attempt for all students." August 2018.
Presented on "Multitiered system of support (MTSS)." August 2018.
Presented on "Made to move: Inclusive strategies to assist students with ADHD." August 2018.
Presented on "Blessed not broken: Inclusive strategies for individuals with dyslexia." August 2018.
Presented on "Help, I’m allergic to math! Inclusive strategies for individuals with dyscalculia." August 2018.
Presented on "Taking notes and other impossible task involving a pencil: Inclusive strategies for individuals with dysgraphia." August 2018.
Presented on "Inclusion strategies for individuals with ADHD." April 2018.
Presented on "Learning to fish with a net: Creating an inclusive learning environment for individuals with ADHD." April 2018.
Presented keynote address on "They could not, I would not." April 2018.
Presented on "Multi-tiered support system: Tier one universal design for learning." April 2018.
Presented on "Multi-tiered support system: Tier one universal design for learning." April 2018.
Presented and participated in panel discussion on "Universal design for learning." April 2018.
Presented on "Motivation and differentiated instruction for all students." March 2018.
Presented on "Help me understand: Walking a mile in the shoes of students with learning, social, and emotional needs." March 2018.
Presented on "Attitude changes everything: Four principles that invite opportunity for change. January 2018.
Presented on "Help me understand: Walking a mile in the shoes of a student with learning, social, and emotional needs." November 2017.
Presented on "Motivation and differentiated instruction for all students." November 2017.
Presented on "Refocusing: Peeling back the multifaceted layers of misbehavior in the classroom to cultivate an effective learning environment." November 2017.
Co-presented with M. Wong-Lo on "Refocusing: Peeling back the multifaceted layers of misbehavior in the classroom to cultivate an effective learning environment." October 2017.
Co-presented with C. Bishop, K. Wagner on "Communication as a 21st century skill." November 2017.
Co-presented with C. Bishop on "Biblical integration in your daily lessons." November 2017.
Co-presented with C. Bishop on "Classroom management for teacher assistants." November 2017.
Co-presented with C. Bishop on "Writing objectives and assessments. How do you know what they know?" November 2017.
Co-facilitated with C. Bishop a student engagement workshop at village development schools. November 2017.
Presented on "Motivation and differentiated instruction for all students." September 2017.
Presented on "Creating an environment of attempt for all students." September 2017.