About
Dr. Mariella Simons serves as an Associate Professor of Education and Chair of Graduate Education at Belhaven University, where she has been a faculty member since 2018. Her academic focus centers on Education with specialization in Elementary and Gifted Education programs.
Her educational background includes:
- B.S. from Mississippi State University
- M.Ed. from Mississippi State University
- Ph.D. from Mississippi State University
Dr. Simons' research spans Gifted Education, Curriculum Development, Instructional Coaching, and Educational Leadership. Her work emphasizes creating effective educational strategies for gifted learners and developing instructional support systems that enhance teacher effectiveness. She has dedicated her career to improving educator preparation and student outcomes through evidence-based practices.
Her publications reveal a consistent trajectory from foundational curriculum design for gifted students in the late 1980s to contemporary research on instructional coaching impacts. The 2009 work on coaching demonstrates her focus on practical applications that directly influence classroom achievement, while maintaining her lifelong commitment to gifted education.
Her professional recognition includes:
- Ray Bishop Staff Development Award, MS Staff Development Council (2003)
- Award for Excellence in Education for the Gifted (1995)
Dr. Simons maintains active professional engagement through conference presentations at the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (2011-2015), Program for Research and Evaluation in Public Schools (2011-2015), and Southern Region Education Board (2004-2010). Her leadership as President of the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children (1991) and prior five-year board service reflect her commitment to advancing educational excellence. Her vision statement underscores dedication to developing educators who prepare students for academic success and honorable community service.
