Background
Dennis A. Casey, Ph.D., Science Education Consultant
Career
- Science Education Consultant (2017-present)
- Adjunct Faculty, Science Education, Virginia Tech (1998, 2024-present)
- Former Director of Education and Public Programs, Virginia Museum of Natural History (2001-2017)
- Former Adjunct Instructor, Hollins University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Mary Baldwin College
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy, Curriculum and Instruction, 2001, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, 1998, Virginia Tech
- Bachelor of Science, Secondary Science Education - Natural Sciences, 1985, Virginia Tech,
Research Insterests
- Education for social justice
- Social constructivism
- History and nature of science and technology
- Earth systems science education
Community
- Virginia Southwest Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer
- Red Cross Donor Ambassador Volunteer
- Patrick Henry Community College, Former Board Member, Vice Chairman
- First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville, Elder
- Friends of Wilson Park, Co-founder
- Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley, Board Member, President (2024-2025)
Selected grants
- Virginia Institute for Integrative STEM-H Education (2013-2014). Principal Investigator and Project Leader. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission
- Martinsville Henry County Community Nature Initiative (2008-2013). Project Director. Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont
- Virginia Science Institute for STEM Education (2011). Principal Investigator and Coordinator. Virginia Department of Education
- Virginia Science Standards Institute (2001-2010, 2012). Principal Investigator and Coordinator. Virginia Department of Education
Professional experience
- Website Administrator, Virginia Academy of Science (2023-present)
- Elected National Science Teaching Association Council, Director, District VIII, (2015-2018)
- National Science Teaching Association Informal Education Committee Liaison (2015-2018)
- Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science Member and Unconference (2011, 2014, 2015)
- Instructional Coach, Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (2014-2015)
- National Congress on Science Education, National Science Teaching Association, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Representative, (2014)
- In Searth of Earth's Secrets Leadership Team Member, Consortium for Ocean Leadership (2012-2023)
- Southwestern Piedmont Master Naturalists, Former Advisor and Treasurer
- Editorial Review Board Member, Journal of Virginia Science Education (2006-present)
- Virginia Master Naturalist Program Executive Committee Member (2005-2017)
- Virginia Resource Use Education Council Member (2001-2017)
- Website Administrator and Communications Chair, Virginia Association of Science Teachers (1994-present)
- Great Science for Girls Training Institute, Philadelphia, 2010.
- Virginia Education Technology Advisory Committee (2005-2007)
- Technology Strand Coordinator, Virginia Association of Science Teachers (2006)
- Virginia Cave Board Education Committee (2005-2008)
- Informal Education Representative Program Committee, National Science Teachers Association Eastern Area Convention (2004)
- Reviewer Enhanced Scope and Sequence Earth Science, Virginia Department of Education (2004)
- Governor's Environmental Education Advisory Committee (2001-2002)
- Senior Research Associate, Virginia Museum of Natural History at Virginia Tech (2000)
- Reviewer, Earth Science Content Chair, Special Award Judge, Virginia Junior Academy of Science (1999-2017)
- Virginia Tech Excellence in Education Review Panel (1999)
- Virginia Tech College of Human Resources and Education Graduate Council (1999)
- Instructor and Webmaster, The Geological and Biological Change and the Nature of Science Institute for Middle and High School Teachers, Virginia Tech (1999)
- Science and Technology Consultant, Eisenhower Regional Consortium for Mathematics and Science Education (1998-2000)
- Instructor, Elementary Science Methods Course, Virginia Tech (1998)
- Matching Praxis II Subject Assessments to Virginia Licensure Regulations Committee (1998)
- Science Education Program University Mentor, Virginia Tech (1997-2000)
- Virginia Science Standards of Learning Assessment Committee (1996-1999)
- Eisenhower Grant Review Committee (1995-1996)
- National Science Teachers Association Chapter and Affiliated Groups, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Representative, Colorado Springs, CO (1994)
- Virginia Science Standards of Learning Writing Committee, Earth Science, Chemistry (1994, 2011)
- Virginia Science Textbook Evaluation and Textbook Adoption Committees (1994, 2011).
- President-elect, President, Past President, Virginia Association of Science Teachers (1994-1996)
- Outdoor Adventure Instructor, Roanoke County Parks and Recreation (1991-1995).
- Founding Member, Treasurer, Vice-president, President, Blue Ridge Association of Science Teachers (1988-1993)
- Astronomy and Oceanography Instructor, Roanoke County Schools Summer Gifted Program (1987-1992)
- Earth Science Teacher, Roanoke County Schools. County Science Fair Coordinator, Peer Mediation Sponsor, Student Assistance Program Sponsor, Science Club Sponsor, Video Production Sponsor (1985-1997)
Awards and honors
- Thomas Jefferson Award for Natural Science Education, Virginia Museum of Natural History (2018)
- Activate Martinsville Henry County Healthy Business Award, Community Nature Initiative (2009)
- Programs That Work Award, Virginia Science Standards Institute, Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition (2009)
- Inducted Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education. Graduate President, Virginia Tech (2000)
- Virginia Association of Science Teachers Special Award for Outstanding Service to Virginia Science Education (1999)
- Inducted Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society, Virginia Tech Chapter (1999)
- Inducted Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Virginia Tech (1998)
- Virginia Association of Science Teachers Earth Science Award for Outstanding Contributions to Virginia Science Education (1996)
- Virginia Department of Education Math and Science Scholarship Recipient (1983-1985)
Licenses, certifications, and endorsements
- REVIVE! Trainer of Lay Rescuers (2024)
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification (2023)
- Information Security Certification, Commonwealth of Virginia (2015)
- Postgraduate Professional License. Earth and Space Science, General Supervision Virginia Department of Education (2007)
- Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment Trainer
- NASA Lunar and Meteorite Sample Certification
Selected papers, publications, courses, and presentations
- Casey, D. Technology in the Science Classroom. Course taught for Virginia Tech Science Education program (2024).
- Casey, D. STEM in Elementary Schools. Course taught for Virginia Tech Science Education Program, School of Education (2024).
- Casey, D. (2020). Climate change. Blue Ridge Heritage. Stuart, VA.
- Casey, D. (2017). Miocene fossil field trip and National Science Teachers Online Resources. Hanover Earth Science Teachers.
- Casey, D. (2016). Using the NSTA Learning Center as a tool for professional development.
- Kentucky Science Teachers Annual Conference, Lexington, KY.
- Casey, D. and Deatherage, C. (2015). Answering a public call: Designing a sustainable homeschool education program at a natural history museum. Association of Science and Technology Centers Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada.
- Casey, D. (2014). Visit the Virginia Museum of Natural History Without Leaving Your Classroom. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Roanoke, VA.
- Casey, D. (2013). Fun with Fossils. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Norfolk, VA.
- Casey, D. (2013). Launch of the new Virginia Museum of Natural History adventure classroom. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Norfolk, VA.
- Casey, D. (2013). What are VAST's online resources and how can I contribute?Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Norfolk, VA. Casey, D. (2013).
- Explore the new Virginia Museum of Natural History web-based watershed resource: "Follow the Rain." Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Norfolk, VA. Casey, D. (2012).
- Professional development for elementary teachers: The Virginia science institute for stem education. Presentation, National Science Teachers Association STEM Expo & Forum, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
- Casey, D. and Hairston, G. (2012). Building a museum STEM education program from the ground up. Presentation, National Science Teachers Association STEM Expo & Forum, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
- Alternative energy (2011, November). Moderator for panel discussion, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Roanoke, Virginia.
- Casey, D. (2011). Behind the scenes at the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Field trip, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Roanoke, Virginia.
- Casey, D. and Walton, S. (2010). Hampton Roads classroom outreach science education programs. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Hampton, VA.
- Casey, D. (2010). Virginia science standards institute: A model pd experience. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Hampton, VA.
- Casey, D. (2010-2021). Weather and climate. Interpretation. Courses taught for Southwestern Piedmont Master Naturalists and other chapters.
- Great Science for Girls Training Institute, Philadelphia, 2010.
- Upper Elementary Science Institute. Courses taught through Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education (July 2010).
- Casey, D. (2009). Establishing a local community nature initiative. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Herndon, Virginia.
- Casey, D. (2009) The past, present, and future of Fort Monroe. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Institute, Herndon, Virginia.
- Upper Elementary Science Institute. Course taught through Mary Baldwin College Masters of Arts in Teaching Program (August 2008).
- Trout in the Classroom. Course taught through Mary Baldwin College Masters of Arts in Teaching Program (July 2008).
- Virginia's State Parks: Your Backyard Classrooms. Mountain (2003) and Piedmont (2008) Editions: Project Coordinator.
- Casey, D. Interpretation and exhibit design (2007). Presentation for Interpretation class in Department of Forestry, Virginia Tech, VA.
- Casey, D., Sharp, L. (2007). GLOBE Hydrology Protocols. Shortcourse, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville, VA.
- Casey, D., Sharp, L. (2004). GLOBE Hydrology Protocols. Shortcourse, National Association of Science Teachers Eastern Area Convention, Richmond, VA.
- Casey, D. (2004). Hydrology for teachers. Presentation, Earth Science Core Content Academy, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
- Casey, D., Sharp, L. (2003). Introduction to GLOBE. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science teachers Annual Professional Development Institute, Portsmouth, VA.
- Casey, D., Sharp, L. (2002). Integrating GLOBE with other environmental education programs in Virginia. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Annual Professional Development Institute, Richmond, VA.
- Casey, D. (2002). Dinosaur digs, fossil hunting, and geology opportunities. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Regional Conference, Roanoke, VA.
- Casey, D. (2001). Virginia Museum of Natural History resources that support the Virginia standards of learning. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Annual Professional Development Institute , Richmond, VA.
- Apple, T., Deatherage, C., & Casey, D. (2001). Forest follies. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Annual Professional Development Institute , Richmond, VA.
- Casey, D., & Glasson, G. (2001, March). Graphing calculator-based technology in an "alternative" science classroom: An anthropological perspective. Paper presented, National Association for Research in Science Teaching, St. Louis, MO.
- Glasson, G., Bentley, M., & Casey, D. (2000, March). Teaching evolution and the nature of science: Learning about contemporary scientific theories and research. Paper presented, National Association for Research in Science Teaching, New Orleans, LA.
- Saurino, D., Bentley, M., Glasson, G., & Casey, D. (2000). Urban and rural students collaborate: Video teleconferencing technology in science teacher preparation. Science Education International, 11(3), 19-25.
- Casey, D., Glasson, G. (1999). Teaching about geological and biological change and the nature of science. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Annual Conference, Richmond, VA.
- Casey, D., Glasson, G. (1999). Using web-based and probeware technologies to teach geological and biological change and the nature of science. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Annual Conference, Richmond, VA.
- Casey, D. (1999). Graphing calculator-based technologies: Tools for interdisciplinary teaching. Paper presented, Mid-Atlantic Association of Educators of Teachers of Science, Lake Lure, NC.
- Glasson, G., Bentley, M., & Casey, D. (1999). Summer institute on evolution and the nature of science. Paper presented, Mid-Atlantic Association of Educators of Teachers of Science, Lake Lure, NC.
- Bentley, M., Glasson, G., & Casey, D. (1999). Designing an inservice institute on teaching geological and biological change and the nature of science for middle and high school teachers. Presentation, Virginia Academy of Science.
- Saurino, D., Bentley, M., Glasson, G., & Casey, D. (1999). Preparing science teachers using distance learning: Urban and rural students collaborating using video teleconferencing technology. Paper presented, National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Boston, MA.
- Bentley, M., Soares, D., Casey, D., & Hicks, D. (1999). Field studies as a context for student collaboration in preservice secondary science education. Presentation, First Annual Blue Ridge Symposium, Roanoke, VA.
- Soares, D., Casey, D., & Hicks, D. (1998). Pre-service teacher integration: Using Explore Park for integrating science, math, and social studies standards. Presentation, Team Building for Integration of High School Academics and Vocational Education Conference, Blacksburg, VA.
- Casey, D. (1998). Exploring the TI-83 graphing calculator, cbl, and associated probeware. Instructor Montgomery County Secondary Science Workshop.
- Casey, D. (1997). Teacher professional growth and personal development. Keynote address, National Teacher Training Institute Regional Conference. Roanoke, VA.
- Casey, D. (1995). Using the internet in the science classroom. Presentation, Virginia High Schools That Work Conference. Roanoke, VA.
- Casey, D., Catron, L., Kelly, R., Meador, B., Semones, B., Ward, B., & Haddad, J. (1994). Air quality: An optimal solution. Teaching Environmental Economics Concepts and Strategies. Virginia Council on Economic Education. Richmond, VA.
- Casey, D., Mulligan, M. (1992). Chesapeake Bay Foundation programs: From the Virginia watershed to the Bay islands. Presentation, Virginia Association of Science Teachers Conference. Roanoke, VA.