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Susan Groenke

Inclusive Teaching Institutional Leader

Susan Groenke, Ph.D., serves as the Faculty Leader for Inclusive Teaching for the remainder of the 2022-2023 academic year. This is a secondary appointment for Dr. Groenke, who will serve in the role to collaborate with TLI staff to develop appropriate workshops and other events that highlight evidence-based practices and approaches in inclusive teaching; support TLI’s current Inclusive Teaching Certificate and its growth; and lead meetings of the Inclusive Teaching Advisory Network. 

Dr. Groenke earned a B.A. in English and Fine Arts from Virginia Tech, as well as an M.S. in English Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Her specialization is in children’s and young adult literature. Dr. Groenke also serves as the Director of the Center for Children’s and Young Adult Literature at UTK, and directs the Ph.D. program in Children’s and Young Adult literature in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.  

Having been a nationally board-certified middle grades and high school English teacher for many years before pursuing graduate education, Dr. Groenke knows the importance of fostering an inclusive classroom environment where all learners feel engaged and valued.

For questions about the Inclusive Teaching Toolkit, the Inclusive Teaching Certificate, the Inclusive Teaching Advisory Network, or strategies for promoting inclusion in the college-level classroom, email Dr. Groenke at sgroenke@utk.edu.