Dell Perry Giles

Dr. Dell Perry Giles is a distinguished part-time assistant professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of Georgia. She earned her doctorate in Language & Language Education from the same institution, underscoring her deep commitment to advancing the field of language education. Her academic journey is complemented by a rich professional background, having served as a Dual Language Program Coordinator for eight years. During this time, she made a significant impact by founding and opening Georgia's first public dual language school, a testament to her dedication to bilingual education. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Giles accumulated 12 years of experience as an ESOL/Sheltered Instruction, Spanish, and EFL teacher. Her practical experience in these roles has provided her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in language instruction, particularly for English Learners. Since 2001, she has been instrumental in instructing courses for teachers pursuing ESOL Endorsements, sharing her expertise and insights with the next generation of educators. Dr. Giles has been a valued member of the University of Georgia faculty since 2005, where she has continued to contribute to the field through her teaching and research. Her fluency in Spanish enhances her ability to connect with diverse student populations and their families, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Her research interests are deeply rooted in bilingual and ESL instructional practices, teacher preparation, language policy, and program development. Dr. Giles is particularly passionate about qualitative research methods in language education, which she employs to explore and address the complexities of language learning and teaching. Throughout her career, Dr. Giles has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving educational outcomes for English Learners and their families. Her work continues to influence language education policy and practice, making her a respected voice in the field.