ABOUT
Me
“Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.” – Theodore Isaac Rubin
Dr. Simone Elias is a dedicated K-12 educator, researcher, doctor of education faculty member, and dissertation chair. Through her expertise in instructional technology and organizational leadership, she strives to create inclusive learning environments and empower students and educators alike. She holds a Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University and an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Technology from the University of Maine, Orono, along with a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Cambridge College. Additionally, she has earned Graduate Certificates in Technology Integration and Computational Thinking from the University of Maine.
As a scholar-practitioner, Dr. Elias has made significant contributions to the field of education through her research and publications, focusing on culturally responsive experiences in higher education, family engagement communication strategies with technology, and the challenges faced by women and historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups in the computer science field. Her work has been published in esteemed journals such as The Interdisciplinary Journal of Advances in Research in Education and the Journal of Research Initiatives.
Dr. Elias has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to education, including being honored as a Common Sense Educator and nominated for the "STEM MVP" Outstanding STEM Teacher award by iRobot. Her accolades also include awards for online course design, excellence in teaching, and academic excellence during her doctoral studies.
In her role as a dissertation chair, Dr. Elias has guided and mentored doctoral candidates on diverse topics, including leadership styles in higher education, the experiences of teachers of color in K-12 environments, and the impact of technology on work-life balance. Her expertise has shaped the research and academic careers of many aspiring scholar-practitioners. She has also presented workshops and collaborated on peer-reviewed projects at prestigious institutions and conferences, sharing her insights on designing playful learning spaces for young learners, enhancing second-language learning, and leadership in the 21st century.
Dr. Elias holds licenses as an Administrator, Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, and has academic licenses in Instructional Technology and Digital Literacy & Computer Science. Outside of academia, Dr. Elias has gained valuable experience with leading technology companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Nuance, where she has applied her expertise in education and technology to real-world settings. Her extensive education, practical experience, and scholarly contributions make her a leader in the field of instructional technology and educational leadership.