Jennifer Del Nero

Jennifer Del Nero is a Clinical Assistant Professor at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) within the Department of Special Education, Language, and Literacy in the School of Education. Her academic focus centers on literacy education, particularly through the lens of Gothic literature and popular culture. She has taught courses including Lit Strat, Assess & Instr, Internship II, and Exploring Classroom Communities.

• Ph.D. in Literacy Education, Rutgers University (2015)
• M.A. in English Literature, Rutgers University (2007)
• B.S. in Elementary Education/English, The College of New Jersey (2003)

Her research explores adolescent literacy, creative writing instruction, and the integration of popular culture into reading curricula. She emphasizes aesthetic transactions with texts, using Gothic themes to foster critical thinking and engagement.

Key publication themes include Gothic texts in literacy development, reading motivation, and interdisciplinary teaching. She has presented at conferences like the International Literacy Association (ILA) and American Reading Forum (ARF).

Scientific Awards:

• Graduate Thesis with Distinction (2015)
• Edward Frye Endowed Graduate Fellowship (2012)
• Rutgers Graduate School of Education Research Fellowship (2012)

Del Nero’s career includes roles as a literacy coach and teacher in New Jersey schools, alongside academic work at TCNJ and Rutgers University.