The creative challenge of finding new ways to bring concepts to life in students’ hearts and minds is what Heidi Dean truly enjoys about teaching. And as CSI's new Curriculum and Instruction Bible Specialist, Dean is motivated to collaborate with teachers who are seeking further professional development in Bible instruction.
“K–12 teachers can learn from each other and pull best practices,” Dean said. “I’m looking forward to sharing what lead teachers are doing in member schools and working with younger teachers to build their craft and engage students."
Dean’s relationship with CSI began when she was a high school teacher and seeking Bible curriculum. CSI had the most biblically sound, academically strong, and engaging curriculum she could find, and after using the curriculum in her classroom, she reached out to CSI seeking further material. What followed was Dean becoming the lead writer for the second editions of CSI’s high school Bible curriculum, God’s Unfolding Kingdom and Hope of the Kingdom. She has also conducted webinars for member school teachers and led a series of sessions at last year’s CSI Bible Instruction Symposium.
Dean’s main responsibilities will be answering any pedagogical questions regarding the K–12 CSI Bible Curriculum, as well as providing training on features, benefits, and best practices. Over the last four years, Dean has taught Bible in middle school and high school classrooms, along with some history and Latin classes. She's also facilitated and led a women's Bible study at her church.
“Each classroom teacher has techniques they've become an expert in,” Dean said. “We want to find Bible teachers who have become an expert in one area of instruction and gain wisdom from that teacher to share with others in an article or podcast.”
Dean lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband and four children. She received an M.A. in Theology from Reformed Theological Seminary and a Th.M. from Duke University. Outside of work, Dean enjoys being outdoors in their local Blue Ridge Mountains and playing with her kids. She also loves a good conversation over a cup of coffee and giving and receiving hospitality.
Dean looks forward to serving CSI Bible teachers in their ongoing growth. She can be reached at gro.enilnoisc@naedh.
