Kristin Rearden is a clinical professor of science education and TPTE assistant department head. Her father’s work as a chemist for Texaco and her mother’s long span of teaching junior high English were both inspirations for her to pursue a career in science education. Rearden earned a BA in physics from the University of Dallas and taught middle school math and science in Poughkeepsie, New York. During that time, she earned her master’s degree in educational psychology from Marist College and her permanent New York State teaching licenses in secondary math, physics, and general science. After earning a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University, she joined the UT faculty in 1999.

Currently, Rearden is interested in effective practices in teacher preparation, the impact of place-based education, and the integration of children’s literature and science. She has served on NSTA’s Outstanding Science Trade Book committee and NSTA’s Best STEM Book committee for a total of seven years. She teaches graduate science education courses and leads the cohort of interns specializing in middle grades math and science. Her excellence in teaching has been recognized at various levels, including the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education, the University of Tennessee Alumni Association, and the Tennessee Science Teachers Association. She is honored to work with outstanding teacher candidates at the University of Tennessee and with faculty members who strive for excellence in education at all levels.