Role

Jo is a Senior Lecturer based in Te Papaioea and is currently Acting Programme Leader for the Graduate Diploma ECE. She teaches a variety of courses in the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE) programme. Alongside teaching students in the programme, she also visits them in their home centres and on practicum to further support their learning. Jo supervises Master’s thesis tauira, while also carrying out her own research.

---

Education Background

Jo has a wide range of experiences in education and has taught both children and student teachers in early childhood and primary settings, facilitated professional development and undertaken research. Jo joined Te Rito Maioha in 2021.

---

Research Background

Jo’s passion for the visual arts and creativity in teaching is reflected in her Doctoral research through investigating the way children make meaning through creating, making and responding to art installations. Other areas of research interest include transitions from ECE to primary, gifted and inclusive education.

---

Teaching Interests

As a teacher, and lecturer, Jo brings a commitment to building whanaungatanga through genuine and respectful relationships with learners, whānau, tauira, colleagues and the wider community, so she can support and respond to their individual needs.

---

Recent Publications

Dean, J. & Delaune, A. (2019). Supporting young gifted children through transitioning from early childhood education to school. He Kupu, 6(1), 19-25.

Margrain, V., Murphy, C., & Dean, J. (Eds.). (2015). Giftedness in the early years: Informing, Learning and Teaching. Wellington: NZCER Press.

Dean, J. (2011). A profile portraying a contemporary gifted young child. APEX, 16(1). Retrieved online from http://www.giftedchildren.org.nz/apex/

Dean, J. (2011). Textiles can stimulate children’s creativity and imagination. ANZAAE, 21(2). Retrieved online from http://www.arteducatorsJournal2011 vol. 21 (2) ANZAAE