Dennis Eastman | People, Biola University

Department	School of Education
Biola Affiliations	Faculty

Documents

Degrees

Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University
M.A., Biola University
B.A., Biola University

Member of

University Personnel Committee

Biography

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.

Publications

Aligning means and goals: Insights from professional development to promote student- centered teaching in Cambodia. Eastman, D., C. Bishop, & Block, N. at AERA National Conference. San Francisco, CA. April 2020.

Inclusive Strategies for Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). C. Bishop, Eastman D., & LaBarbera, R. In Inclusive Classrooms for Flourishing Communities. Hetzel, J., LaBarbera, R. (editors). SKILD Publishing. Published in Arabic. 2019.

Aligning means and goals: Insights from professional development to promote student- centered teaching in Cambodia. Eastman, D., C. Bishop, & Block, N. at AERA National Conference. San Francisco, CA. April 2020.

“Partnering to prepare the next generation of teachers.” Eastman, D. & Yang, J. Southern California Professional Development News Magazine. Spring 2019.

Transforming culture one person at a time: The biblical model. Eastman, D., & Lewis, D. Peer reviewed paper presented at the Second International Higher Education Conference, "Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story: Living at the Crossroads through Education and Media Arts." Jakarta, Indonesia. June 15-17, 2016.

Essential questions: Their purpose and impact. Eastman, D., Lewis, D. Peer reviewed research paper presented at the California Council for Teacher Education Conference. San Diego, CA. October 24, 2015.

"Comparative study of explicit-direct instruction vs. collaborative groupings." Eastman, D., Lewis, D. California Council for Teacher Education, Quest Institute. Summer 2015.

"Creating a community through rigor, relevance, and relationships: A ten year look at serving at-risk students in urban school settings." Craig, E., Eastman, D., Battersbee, N. Justice Spirituality, & Education Journal, Spring 2015.

Presentations

Asian Hope International Conference, Phnom Penh, Cambodia .
Presented on "Active strategies in literacy." November 2019.

Asian Hope International Conference, Phnom Penh, Cambodia .
Presented on "Assessment that informs instruction and promotes differentiation." November 2019.

Asian Hope International Conference, Phnom Penh, Cambodia .
Presented on "Equipping strategies for language learners." November 2019.

Asian Hope International Conference, Phnom Penh, Cambodia .
Presented on "Managing small groups." November 2019.

Vineyard Christian Schools, Anaheim, CA.
Presented on "Educators professional development series." October 2019.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "The power of self-reflection." August 2019.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "Is this on the test? Practical strategies for formal and informal assessment."

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
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.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "Made to move: Strategies to assist students with ADHD." August 2019.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "I have the right to learn! Looking beyond challenges into strengths and talents." August 2019.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "Mindful and social emotional learning strategies in the inclusive classroom." August 2019.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "Foundational practices and strategies in the inclusive classroom." August 2019.

Asian Hope International Educator Workshops, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Co-presented with C. Bishop on "Educators professional development series." November 2018.

Abundant Life International School Educators Training, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Co-presented with J. Yang on "Educators professional development series." August 2018.

Inclusion Educational Forum 2018, National Conference, Amman, Jordan.
Presented keynote address on "They could not, I would not: Speaking up for those in need in your classroom." August 2018.

Inclusion Educational Forum 2018, National Conference, Amman, Jordan.
Presented on "Help me understand: Walking a mile in the shoes of students with learning and emotional needs." August 2018.

Inclusion Educational Forum 2018, National Conference, Amman, Jordan.
Presented on " Creating an environment of motivation for all students." August 2018.

Inclusion Educational Forum 2018, National Conference, Amman, Jordan.
Presented on " Creating an environment of attempt for all students." August 2018.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "Multitiered system of support (MTSS)." August 2018.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "Made to move: Inclusive strategies to assist students with ADHD." August 2018.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "Blessed not broken: Inclusive strategies for individuals with dyslexia." August 2018.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "Help, I’m allergic to math! Inclusive strategies for individuals with dyscalculia." August 2018.

Alliance Academy Jordan International Educators Training, Ammon, Jordan.
Presented on "Taking notes and other impossible task involving a pencil: Inclusive strategies for individuals with dysgraphia." August 2018.

SKILD Capacity Building Workshop, Beirut Baptist School, Beirut, Lebanon.
Presented on "Inclusion strategies for individuals with ADHD." April 2018.

National Teachers Conference, Haigazian University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Presented on "Learning to fish with a net: Creating an inclusive learning environment for individuals with ADHD." April 2018.

National Day Celebration of Students Learning Differences, Haigazian University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Presented keynote address on "They could not, I would not." April 2018.

Special Educator Workshop, Haigazian University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Presented on "Multi-tiered support system: Tier one universal design for learning." April 2018.

Department of Orientation and Guidance, Ministry of Education, Beirut, Lebanon.
Presented on "Multi-tiered support system: Tier one universal design for learning." April 2018.

SKILD Capacity Building, SKILD Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Presented and participated in panel discussion on "Universal design for learning." April 2018.

ACSI Early Childhood Conference, Biola University, La Mirada, CA.
Presented on "Motivation and differentiated instruction for all students." March 2018.

ACSI Early Childhood Conference, Biola University, La Mirada, CA.
Presented on "Help me understand: Walking a mile in the shoes of students with learning, social, and emotional needs." March 2018.

Christian Education Association International: Turn Your Campus, CA.
Presented on "Attitude changes everything: Four principles that invite opportunity for change. January 2018.

ACSI Southern California Regional Conference, Costa Mesa, CA.
Presented on "Help me understand: Walking a mile in the shoes of a student with learning, social, and emotional needs." November 2017.

ACSI Southern California Regional Conference, Costa Mesa, CA.
Presented on "Motivation and differentiated instruction for all students." November 2017.

ACSI Southern California Regional Conference, Costa Mesa, CA.
Presented on "Refocusing: Peeling back the multifaceted layers of misbehavior in the classroom to cultivate an effective learning environment." November 2017.

Educator Lecture Series, School of Education, Biola University, La Mirada, CA.
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.

Asian Hope Educator Workshops, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Co-presented with C. Bishop, K. Wagner on "Communication as a 21st century skill." November 2017.

Asian Hope Educator Workshops, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Co-presented with C. Bishop on "Biblical integration in your daily lessons." November 2017.

Asian Hope Educator Workshops, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Co-presented with C. Bishop on "Classroom management for teacher assistants." November 2017.

Asian Hope Educator Workshops, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Co-presented with C. Bishop on "Writing objectives and assessments. How do you know what they know?" November 2017.

Asian Hope Educator Workshops, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Co-facilitated with C. Bishop a student engagement workshop at village development schools. November 2017.

ACSI Northern California Regional Conference, Roseville, CA.
Presented on "Motivation and differentiated instruction for all students." September 2017.

ACSI Northern California Regional Conference, Roseville, CA.
Presented on "Creating an environment of attempt for all students." September 2017.

Research Interests

Promoting inclusive strategies for general education teachers
Creating active learning environments for all students
Creating and developing effective teaching and learning strategies in diverse cultures

Courses

LEDU301 Introduction to Teaching - Secondary
SEED514/SEED515 Secondary Student Teaching I/II
SEED539/LEDU438 Secondary Curriculum, Design, and Assessment
SEED563/LEDU363 Teaching Students with Mild Disabilities

Areas of Expertise for Media Interviews

Christian Education
Education
History
Home school
Pop culture & Christianity
Sports and Fitness
Teaching
Teens
Millennials
Charter Schools
Motivation
Common Core
Differentiated Instruction