Faculty/Staff Directory
Dr. Karen Ochoa
Assistant Professor
Credentials: PHD
| Office Hours: | By appointment |
| Locations: (Campus & Office) |
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| Biography: | Dr. Karen Ochoa, born in South Africa, is an Assistant Professor of Education and the Assessment Coordinator for Teacher Education at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. She supports continuous program improvement through assessment design, data analysis, and alignment of key assessments and coursework to Georgia standards and professional expectations. Drawing on her international background and experience as an assistant principal, instructional coach, and classroom teacher across K–8 settings, including gifted and STEM-focused instruction, she brings a global perspective to educational equity and teacher preparation. She has also served on a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) task force focused on developing AI educator endorsement rules for the state of Georgia. Her work centers on curriculum and assessment, effective instructional practice, teacher preparation, and responsible technology integration. Prior to joining MGA, Dr. Ochoa served as an Assistant Principal of Student Services and as a STEM instructional coach, where she led professional learning in classroom management, restorative practices, and testing coordination. She has experience as an elementary teacher, gifted reading teacher, and gifted/talented educator, with a longstanding commitment to rigorous instruction, equity, and student-centered learning environments. |
| Syllabi: |
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| Teaching and Research Interests: | Assessment design and validation AI-resistant assessment methods Artificial intelligence in education Educational technology integration Critical thinking development Accessibility and inclusive design in education Teacher preparation and educator effectiveness Research Interests Assessment design and validation AI-resistant assessment methods Artificial intelligence in education Educational technology integration Critical thinking development Accessibility and inclusive design in education Teacher preparation and educator effectiveness |
| Courses: | Â鶹ÊÓƵ Undergraduate Courses ESE 3310 Teaching Math in Grades 3–5 ESE 3300 Teaching Math in Grades P–2 ESE 3540 Foundations of Curriculum and Assessment ESE 3444 Practicum I – Field ESE 3555 Practicum II – Field ESE 4588 Clinical II – Field ESE 3325 Teaching Social Studies P–5 ESE 4320 Applied Data Analysis for Elementary Students EDUC 4120 Integrated Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Graduate Courses EDUC 5003 Multiple Literacy EDUC 5004 Methods of Teaching and Assessment EDUC 5005 Practicum I – Field EDUC 5006 Clinical – Field EDUC 5007 Classroom Management |
| Education: (All institutions attended and degrees or credentials earned) | • Ph.D., Educational Research, The University of Southern Mississippi (2021) • Ed.S., Educational Leadership, The University of Southern Mississippi (2015) • M.A., Elementary Education, William Carey University (2009) • B.S., Pre-Law / Legal Studies, University of West Florida (2005) |
| Professional Experience: | Dr. Ochoa currently serves as Assistant Professor of Education and Assessment Coordinator of Teacher Education at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. She leads the development and implementation of key assessment procedures, supports program data analysis, and helps faculty strengthen alignment and continuous improvement efforts. Previously, she served as Assistant Principal of Student Services at Gulf Coast Charter Academy (K–8), where she led discipline policy revisions, restorative practices, and testing coordination. She has also worked as a STEM instructional coach, elementary gifted reading teacher, elementary teacher, and gifted/talented educator, and has led team and committee work focused on STEM integration, teacher leadership, and school improvement. |
| Publications and Scholarships: (Last 5 Years) | Beck, S., Amerson, R., & Ochoa, K. (2025, September). Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Professional Relationships [Conference presentation]. Southeastern Association of School–University Partnerships (SASUP) Conference, Gulf Shores, AL. Hartle, L., & Ochoa, K. (2025, October). Safeguarding Student Data When Using Public AI Tools for Assessment [Conference presentation]. 8th Annual Academic Cybersecurity Seminar, Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Amerson, R., Biek, D., Cole, W., & Ochoa, K. (2024, October). Lighting the Way through the IGNITE Residency Program [Conference presentation]. Southeastern Association of School–University Partnerships Conference. Fox, B., & Ochoa, K. (2023, February). Leveraging Mathematics and ELAR as an Integrative Force for Developing Acts of Advocacy in Aspiring Educators [Conference presentation]. Georgia Association of Teacher Educators Conference. |
| Organizations: | Member, Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) Task Force – AI for Educators Endorsement (2025–Present) Reviewer, Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) educator preparation programs (2025–Present) Member, Georgia Assessment Directors' Association (GADA) (2025–Present) |
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