Dr. Maria Orlando
Doctoral Dissertation Chair, Program Director- Educational Leadership Program (Online) and Associate Professor
(Administrator with Faculty Rank)
Ed.D., Maryville University; M.A., Lindenwood University; B.A., Lindenwood University

Dr. Maria Orlando is Doctoral Dissertation Chair, Program Director- Educational Leadership Program (Online), and Associate Professor in the School of Leadership, Education, and Communication at St. Thomas University. In addition to extensive experience as a K-12 teacher and administrator, Dr. Orlando has been instructing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students for the past ten years. She has a strong background and interest in qualitative and action research. A native of St. Louis, Dr. Orlando received her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University, and earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Maryville University. Dr. Orlando maintains an affiliation with several professional organizations, including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the United States Distance Learning Association. She has worked in an advisory capacity with the Information Technology Advisory Board (St. Louis Archdiocese) and Education Advisory Committee (St. Charles Community College). Dr. Orlando has been the recipient of a Missouri Mayoral Proclamation for Educational Excellence, and was awarded the National Association of Secondary School Principals/National Middle School Association/National Association of Elementary School Principals Salute to Leadership Award. Under her leadership, her school was twice recognized as a Blue Ribbon School and received the National Catholic Educational Association Blue Ribbon School of Distinction Award. Dr. Orlando devotes some of her time various philanthropic organizations in the St. Louis area. She also enjoys travel, photography, gardening, and spending time with her family.

  • Orlando, M. & Howard, L. (Forthcoming). Strategies for success in an online learning environment. In Handbook of research on self-directed learning strategies in the digital age. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
  • Orlando, M., Barron, J., Williamson, F. (2017, April). Going the distance: Staging the online courseroom for success. Presented at United States Distance Learning Association National Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
  • Orlando, M., Barron, J., Williamson, F. (2017, March). Going the distance: Staging the online courseroom for success. Presented at Teaching Matters Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Orlando, M. (2013, January 14). Nine characteristics of a great teacher. Faculty Focus. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-ofteaching/nine-characteristics-of-a-great-teacher/
  • Orlando, M. (2008). Using guided professional development in technology to improve teaching methods and increase teacher satisfaction (Doctoral dissertation). Maryville University, St Louis, MO.
  • Orlando, M. (2007, December). Understanding by design: Implementing Wiggins and McTighe’s understanding by design model at the elementary level. Presented at the St. Louis Archdiocese, St. Louis, MO.
  • Orlando, M. (2007). A principal’s perspective on what makes a great teacher. Momentum Magazine, 38(2), 26-29.
  • Orlando, M. (2006, November). What works in schools: Translating research into action by implementing Robert Marzano’s approach to what works in schools at the elementary level. Presented at the St. Louis Archdiocese, St. Louis, MO.