Assistant Director / Internship Coordinator / Dual Enrollment Physics Instructor
sdouglass@cvgs.k12.va.us
I am thrilled to be a part of the Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science & Technology community, where I have the privilege of working alongside talented students and dedicated educators to foster curiosity, innovation, and academic excellence. My passion is helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world, with a focus on research, technology, and STEM disciplines.
As Assistant Director and Instructor at CVGS, I coordinate student internships and partnerships, ensuring meaningful real-world experiences while overseeing program evaluation and curriculum development. I teach advanced courses in dual enrollment physics, nuclear science, virtual reality, and senior capstone forensics, integrating inquiry-based learning and technology to challenge and inspire students. I also manage instructional budgets and resources to support academic and programmatic goals.
In addition to my work at CVGS, I serve as an inaugural member of the WM STEM Educators Council, advancing STEM education and building connections between classrooms and industry. I am also an Adjunct Professor of Physics at the University of Lynchburg, where I develop and lead laboratory experiences in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and nuclear physics. Over the years, I have contributed to statewide evaluations of Virginia’s Academic Year Governor’s Schools, ensuring alignment with best practices in gifted education and continuous improvement in advanced STEM instruction.
My teaching career began in Lynchburg City Schools, where I instructed physics, chemistry, and mathematics at E.C. Glass High School, and served as an administrator for the summer school program. These roles provided invaluable experience in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and student-centered education, all of which continue to guide my work today.
I earned a Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies, a Master of Science in Physics, a Graduate Certificate in Earth & Space Science, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, along with multiple professional licensure endorsements in STEM and educational leadership.
Outside of my professional life, I married my wife, Michelle, in 2002, and we are proud parents of three children. Our family enjoys traveling, hiking, and sports, and we cherish the time we spend exploring new places and enjoying the outdoors together.