College of Education and Human Development
Department of Teaching and Leading
Dr. Sutherland is an accomplished educator with a robust background in curriculum leadership, teacher development, and online instruction. With over eleven years of experience as a Lead Science Teacher in the Aiken County Public School District, Dr. Sutherland has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through data-driven instruction and innovative curriculum development. Their specialization includes gifted and talented education, literacy, project-based learning, and virtual course design.
Dr. Sutherland holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina, where they also completed a Master of Education in Teaching. They earned their Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Georgia Southern University. Their professional journey encompasses nine years of curriculum development experience at the district level, one year in higher education as an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Carolina - Aiken, and two years in developing virtual courses for the South Carolina Department of Education.
As a Lead Subject Matter Expert at the South Carolina Department of Education, Dr. Sutherland collaborated with design teams to develop aligned course and unit plans, supervised subject matter experts, and coordinated with instructional designers. Their role involved creating assessments and content for online courses and overseeing the quality and completion of educational materials.
In their current role at Aiken County Public Schools, Dr. Sutherland has achieved notable success, including leading their sixth-grade science team to top test scores district-wide. They have been instrumental in developing and maintaining online courses using Schoology and have played a key role in professional development at both district and state conferences. Their mentorship extends to new and continuing teachers, and they have contributed significantly to curriculum development teams.
Dr. Sutherland is actively engaged in research focused on technology-supported teaching methods and their impact on diverse learning populations. Their research and publications cover a range of topics, including interactive simulations, STEAM education, and gender equity in the curriculum.
Beyond their professional achievements, Dr. Sutherland is involved in several affiliations, including serving as the District Captain of the Palmetto State Teachers Association and participating in various committees related to educational standards. They have been recognized as Teacher of the Year at New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School and continue to influence educational practices through their work with NSF BIORETS Research Fellowship and other initiatives.
Dr. Sutherland’s dedication to education is further reflected in their numerous presentations at regional conferences, where they share insights on innovative instructional practices and technology-enhanced learning.
Dr. Sutherland is actively engaged in research focused on technology-supported teaching methods and their impact on diverse learning populations. Their research and publications cover a range of topics, including interactive simulations, STEAM education, and gender equity in the curriculum.
