Beverly Middlebrook-Thomas, EdD
Dr. Beverly Middlebrook-Thomas is an experienced educator, certified teacher support and coaching specialist, and published author based in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. With a career spanning over three decades in education, she has served in both K–12 public schools and higher education settings. Her academic foundation includes a bachelor’s degree in Business, a master’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and Technology from the University of Phoenix, completed after an overall 11-year journey marked by persistence and resilience. Throughout her career, Dr. Middlebrook-Thomas has built extensive expertise in instructional design, classroom management, and technology integration in education. She specializes in differentiated instruction, inclusive education practices, and the development of individualized education plans to support diverse learners. In addition to her classroom leadership, she has mentored new teachers, facilitated online college-level courses, and supported adult learners in distance education environments. Her work also includes curriculum development, student engagement strategies, and the integration of Microsoft Office and other digital tools into instruction. Beyond her instructional work, Dr. Middlebrook-Thomas is a published author and advocate for educational perseverance and professional growth. She co-authored "Inspired to Climb Higher," a collection of doctoral journey stories that highlight resilience in the pursuit of higher education. Her professional philosophy centers on patience, persistence, and lifelong learning, and she is deeply committed to empowering both students and educators through coaching, mentorship, and academic support. Dr. Middlebrook-Thomas has another inspirational book in the works which will soon be published. Through her teaching, writing, and leadership, she continues to inspire growth and achievement across educational communities.
• Teacher Support and Coaching Endorsement
• Texas Educator Certificate
• University of Phoenix - EdD
• Education Matters Magazine
• Education World's Lesson Plan of the Week
• Student Teacher Mentor Award
• DeKalb County School District
• Texas Education Agency
• Feeding the hungry
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to inspiration, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth throughout every stage of my journey. Influenced early by educators in my life, I developed a strong passion for education, but I learned that passion must be matched with persistence—especially during my pursuit of a doctorate degree. Along the way, I came to understand that setbacks are meaningful lessons, and that progress often happens quietly in the “midline” of everyday effort. These experiences shaped my perspective and led me to write "Inspired to Climb Higher: The Challenges, Questions, Struggles, and Joy of Earning Your Doctoral Degree," where I share the story of my journey alongside other phenomenal women navigating doctoral paths. Ultimately, I define success as personal and holistic, grounded in perseverance, perspective, and the willingness to keep moving forward no matter the challenge.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most meaningful guidance I’ve received is not a single piece of career advice, but a lesson I learned through experience, especially when I decided to pursue a doctorate degree in 2011. Along that journey, I came to understand that setbacks and detours are a natural part of growth rather than signs of failure. The most important lesson I carry with me is that success is rarely linear, but always possible. This perspective has helped me remain resilient, adaptable, and committed to my long-term goals, even when the path is challenging.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the industry to never give up, even when faced with difficult challenges. Resilience and determination are essential for pushing through obstacles and continuing to move forward despite setbacks. I also encourage them to seek out strong, supportive mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and valuable insight along the way. With perseverance and the right support system, I believe they can successfully navigate their path and thrive in their careers.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In my field, one of the biggest challenges is navigating constant change alongside increasing demands on educators. Balancing student needs, evolving standards, and limited resources can be complex and demanding. At the same time, I see these challenges as opportunities to innovate, foster creativity, and implement more student-centered approaches to learning. By embracing a growth mindset and strengthening collaboration, I believe educators can transform these challenges into meaningful progress and lasting impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value family as the foundation of my life, along with extending grace, compassion, and empathy to both others and myself. Patience, resilience, tenacity, and persistence guide how I navigate challenges and continue moving forward. I am deeply committed to lifelong learning, fostering curiosity, and maintaining a growth mindset in all that I do. Building meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community is central to my work, especially through mentoring and coaching new educators. With integrity at my core, I am dedicated to empowering students’ personal and academic development and I believe in seeing things through to completion.
Locations
School District
Metro Atlanta, GA 30083