She teaches classes in emergent literacy, children's literacture and language arts courses for undergraduate and graduate students. Getting teacher candidates to love to read children's books is high on her priority list. There's no shortage of materials for the children's literature course: her office is like a mini children's library! Through her teaching, Dr. Dean inspires teacher candidates to use literature in creative and engaging ways with their own students. Developing a teacher's love of reading ensures they will cultivate this passion in their classrooms.