Faculty/Staff Directory
Dr. Mariella Douglas
478-220-1477
Part-Time Instructor
Credentials: Ed. D
| Office Hours: | Monday- Friday 4:30-8:30 PM Saturday 8:00 am-8:00 pm Office: 478.757.2544 |
| Locations: (Campus & Office) |
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| Biography: | Dr. Mariella Douglas serves as the Curriculum Director for the Dodge County School System, a rural district in central Georgia, where she leads curriculum development, instructional support, and strategic initiatives aimed at improving student achievement. With over a decade of experience in education, Dr. Douglas began her career as a kindergarten teacher before transitioning into special education, where she specialized in behavior disorders. Her work in the classroom and at the district level has been grounded in a commitment to supporting both students and educators through effective instructional practices, data-driven decision-making, and meaningful professional learning. Dr. Douglas holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, along with an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Georgia Southwestern State University. She also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Middle Georgia College. In addition to her district leadership role, she serves as an instructor in the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Middle Georgia State University, where she teaches special education courses and supports the development of future educators. She is passionate about preparing teachers and leaders to meet the diverse needs of today’s students, with a focus on special education, literacy, and leadership development. Dr. Douglas is especially committed to mentoring new educators and supporting systems that promote both academic success and student well-being. In addition to her work in education, Dr. Douglas is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer and holds her CrossFit Level 1 (L1) Trainer certification. She values the connection between physical wellness and overall performance and brings that same discipline and mindset into her professional and personal life. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Douglas enjoys a full and active family life. She loves following her three children in their various activities and spending time with her large extended family. She shares life’s adventures with her supportive husband, who encourages her goals and aspirations. In her free time, she is an avid CrossFit enthusiast, enjoys reading thriller novels, and is a proud dog lover with eight furry companions. |
| Syllabi: | |
| Teaching and Research Interests: | Teaching and research interests include special education, teacher preparation, mentor and induction teacher development, administrator preparation, and literacy instruction. These areas reflect a commitment to supporting both students and educators through evidence-based practices, effective instructional design, and leadership development. Particular focus is placed on preparing educators to meet diverse learner needs, implement inclusive practices, and use data to drive instructional and organizational improvement. |
| Courses: | Sped 4110- Special Topics in Sped ESE 3555- Practicum II and Online Seminar |
| Education: (All institutions attended and degrees or credentials earned) | Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership Liberty University | 2020–2023 Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership Columbus State University | 2016–2017 Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education Georgia Southwestern State University | 2015–2016 Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education (General Curriculum) Middle Georgia College | 2007–2010 Associate Degree in Education Middle Georgia College | 2005–2007 |
| CV: | Available at the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LBL1QXME-r_uIz6keNGm-SeBw8h25FTa/view?usp=drive_link |
| Professional Experience: | 2010-2011- Kindergarten Teacher at Wheeler County Elementary School 2011-2018- Special Education Teacher at South Dodge Elementary School Served as resource and inclusion teacher, Self Contained EBD teacher Administrative Intern Department Chairperson PBIS Chairperson Behavior Specialist Mentor Teacher 2018-Current Curriculum Director of Dodge County Schools DCSS Gifted Director Title IIa Director Title Vb Director Teacher Certification Teacher/Leader Development |
| Publications and Scholarships: (Last 5 Years) | Douglas, M. (2022). Recommendations for improving teacher retention of induction-level and beginning-level teachers in the Dodge County School System in Georgia. Doctoral dissertation, Liberty University. |
| Professional Affiliations: | Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors (GACIS) |
| Organizations: | GAEL- Georgia Association of Educational Leaders GACIS- Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors PAGE- Professional Association of Georgia teachers GAGC- Georgia Association for Gifted Children |
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