Ian Renga

Ian Renga, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Southern Maine (USM). With over 20 years of professional experience in K-12 classrooms, he transitioned from a paraeducator role in special education to teaching secondary science, math, and fine arts. He currently focuses on fostering responsive and authentic learning experiences for new and practicing teachers, emphasizing justice and environmental stewardship. Dr. Renga actively participates in educational leadership roles, including sponsoring the Educators of Tomorrow! Club for USM undergraduates and serving on the board of the Maine Science Teachers Association.

Dr. Renga holds a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Colorado, Boulder, an MEd in Learning & Teaching from Harvard University, and dual undergraduate degrees: a BS in Biology and BA in Fine Art from Indiana University. His research expertise spans teacher identity development, STEM education, and the intersection of media/culture with educational practices. He employs social practice theory to investigate how educators navigate professional challenges and construct narratives of renewal.

His publications explore topics such as teacher archetypes in media, strategies for addressing educator despair, and hybrid teacher identities shaped by professional discourse. The Educators of Tomorrow! Club and his board role highlight his commitment to grassroots advocacy and community-building in Maine's educational landscape.

Dr. Renga collaborates with students like Chelsea Dalton on research projects and integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from biology and fine arts into his teaching philosophy. His work bridges practical classroom strategies with theoretical frameworks, aiming to create equitable and inspiring learning environments.