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Denise Rios, PhD

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Education
Assistant Professor of Education

Education

  • PhD, Leadership Studies, Our Lady of the Lake University
  • MEd, Education Administration
  • BS, Interdisciplinary Studies (Education 1-8) with Music Certification (1-8)

Courses Taught

  • EDBI 4314: Survey of Linguistics
  • EDBI 4304: Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language
  • EDBI 4305: Second Language Acquisition
  • EDUC 4800: Clinical Teacher Supervisor
  • EDBI 5350: Developing Literacy in the Bilingual Classroom
  • EDUC 6330: Teaching Methodology for the Professional
  • EDLD 7302: Leadership Theory and Applications
  • EDLD 7306: Introduction to Academic Writing and Research
  • EDLD 7307: Christian Worldview for Educational Leaders
  • EDLD 7308: Ethical Leadership and Governance
  • EDLD 7305: Instructional Theory and School Effectiveness

Teaching Focus

Dr. Denise P. Rios is committed to fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment that empowers all students, particularly those whose first language is not English. With a strong foundation in leadership, instructional effectiveness, and ethical governance, Dr. Rios integrates research-based teaching strategies that support diverse learners and promote academic success.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in evidence-based instructional practices that enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and metacognition. She prioritizes differentiated instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and scaffolding techniques to ensure that all students- regardless of linguistic background- can access, process, and apply knowledge effectively.

Dr. Rios’s doctoral studies in leadership and instructional effectiveness inform her approach to developing future educators and leaders. She emphasizes ethical leadership, governance, and decision-making in education, preparing students to navigate complex educational systems with integrity and vision. Her courses also emphasize academic writing and research, equipping students with the skills to communicate effectively, engage in scholarly discourse, and contribute to educational research.

Grounded in a Christian worldview, Dr. Rios fosters a learning environment that encourages ethical reasoning, servant leadership, and a commitment to justice and equity in education. Through her work, she aims to inspire educators to lead with compassion, uphold ethical standards, and advocate for the needs of all learners.

Publications

The Relationship Between Catholic School Principal Leadership Styles and Teacher Job Satisfaction (2020)

Additional Information

With 35 years of dedicated service in education, Dr. Denise P. Rios has been a passionate advocate for students across public, Catholic, and higher education settings. Her extensive experience spans both classroom teaching and administrative leadership, equipping her with a deep understanding of instructional effectiveness, leadership, and the diverse needs of students.

Dr. Rios has devoted much of her career to working with students in inner-city schools, where she has made a lasting impact by championing the success of second language learners and students in special education. Her love for these student populations is evident in her commitment to equitable and inclusive teaching practices. In addition to her work with students, she has coached and mentored teachers in various areas of instruction and classroom management, fostering professional growth and excellence in education.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Rios is deeply involved in her faith community. She actively serves her parish, St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a music liturgist and plays a vital role in high school faith formation. Her dedication to education and faith underscores her holistic approach to leadership, teaching, and service, inspiring those around her to pursue knowledge with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Dr. Rios and her husband have been married 19 years and together they have one daughter. As a family, they enjoy spending time together experiencing the Fine Arts.