Administration
Mr. Shermaine Jennings, Principal
Mr. Shermaine Jennings serves as the Principal at Frederick Douglass High School, where he is dedicated to supporting the academic and personal growth of all scholars. With an extensive career in education spanning 23 years, Mr. Jennings brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role. He has been a valued member of the Douglass High School community for a total of 12 years, having spent 8 years as a teacher and 4 years as an Assistant Principal.
Originally from Union, South Carolina, Mr. Jennings holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Morehouse College and an M.S. in Information Technology from American Intercontinental University. He furthered his educational credentials with an Educational Leadership certification from West Georgia University.
Mr. Jennings began his educational career in Metropolitan Atlanta, where he first taught at a Psychological Education Center in DeKalb County. His commitment to serving the Southwest Atlanta community is evident through his subsequent teaching positions at Bunche Middle School and Frederick Douglass High School. Before assuming his current role at The Frederick Douglass High School, he also served as an Assistant Principal at Benjamin E. Mays High School.
Known for his motivational phrase, “Get Your Mind Right,” Mr. Jennings emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving success. This mantra is deeply embedded in his educational philosophy:
"Belief is the foundation of action. If I can change the way you think, then I can change your beliefs. If I can change your beliefs, then I can change your behavior. If I can change your behavior, then I can change your actions. If I can change your actions, then I can change your future. Your future is created in the present."
Mr. Jennings has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young students. He is dedicated to creating a supportive and challenging environment for the students at Frederick Douglass High School.
Phone: 404-802-3169
Email: sljennings@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics, Morehouse College
Master of Science - Information Technology, American Intercontinental University
Educational Leadership certification, West Georgia University
Mr. Collin Haynes. 9th Grade Assistant Principal
Mr. Collin Haynes is a dynamic and experienced high school administrator and educator with over a decade of experience in instruction, training, and mentoring. He comes to us with a wide range of strengths, including instructional coaching, building a strong school climate through the MTSS/PBIS framework, and most importantly, sustaining positive relationships with all stakeholders.
Haynes began his educational journey by earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (AGGIE PRIDE!!!). He later pursued a Master of Science in Educational Administration from National University in San Diego, California. Haynes holds Georgia Administrative and Teaching Certificates, Master Teacher certification, and is a certified Lab Animal Technologist by AALAS from his days working in research at NIH.
Haynes’ educational career started in the same district that he graduated from in PG County, MD. There he served as a biology teacher and eventually science department chair. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where he joined one of the nation’s highest-performing public-school districts, William S. Hart Schools. It was in the Hart District where Haynes found his niche in mentoring other teachers while working part-time for the school district as an induction mentor when he wasn’t teaching in his own classroom. The Hart district is also where he received extensive training in social-emotional learning, which led him to pilot PBIS programs on two different campuses as well as build an SEL course curriculum for all middle and high schools. After COVID, the Haynes family decided to settle back on the East Coast closer to family and moved to GA. For the last two school years, he served Sandy Creek HS as Assistant Principal over science, instructional coaching, student engagement, and much more.
Haynes’ professional philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment that encourages critical thinking and lifelong learning. His diverse experiences, coupled with his passion for education and commitment to student success, make him a valuable asset to any educational institution.
Haynes is a dedicated educator and leader, ready to roll up his sleeves and contribute to the continued success and development of Douglas High School. His motto, "Have a great day on purpose," reflects his belief in inspiring and motivating students to reach their full potential, no matter the circumstances.
Phone: 404-802-3172
Email: Collin.Haynes@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Master of Science - Educational Administration, National University
Georgia Administrative and Teaching Certificates
Master Teacher certification
Certified Lab Animal Technologist by AALAS
Mr. LaShawn Dixon, 10th Grade Assistant Principal
Mr. LaShawn Dixon is the Assistant Principal at Frederick Douglass High School, bringing 21 years of experience in education and over 12 years in leadership roles. His teaching career began as a Mathematics teacher at American Senior High in Miami-Dade. From there he transitioned to Atlanta where he served as a Middle School Mathematics and Science Teacher. His first opportunity as an instructional leader came as the Instructional Science and Math Coach at Continental Colony Elementary, where he served for five years, enhancing student achievement through targeted coaching.
LaShawn transitioned to leadership roles with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta (PBSA), starting as an Assistant Principal before becoming the Dean of Culture at Therrell High School. In 2021, he took on his current role as Assistant Principal at Frederick Douglass High School.
A graduate of Bethune-Cookman University with a major in mathematics, LaShawn also holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University. His educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of leadership and administrative support to sustain high academic achievement for all students. He believes in implementing systemic quality assurance processes to ensure effective teaching and maintaining a high-functioning professional learning community. By collaborating with colleagues, LaShawn aims to provide a seamless K-12 approach to teaching and learning.
Phone: 404-802-3136
Email: Lashawn.Dixon@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts, Bethune-Cookman University
Master degree - Educational Leadership, Walden University.
Dr. Leslie White, 11th Grade Assistant Principal (Special Education Services)
My name is Dr. Leslie White, and I am proud to serve as one of the Assistant Principals here at Frederick Douglas High School. I am originally from Savannah, GA but have lived between Savannah and Atlanta over the years. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College, with a Psychology specialization; Advanced graduate studies (M.Ed) in Curriculum and Instruction and an Ed.S, as well as a Doctorate (Ed.D) with a specialization in Psychology of the Exceptional Child. Before transitioning to Atlanta, I served as an educator in Savannah, GA with the Savannah Chatham Board of Education. There, I served as an Assistant Principal for 7 years. Before transitioning into leadership, I served as an Interrelated teacher, as well as lead Behavioral Specialist, where I was responsible for maintaining control of the exclusionary disproportionality rate for African American students in the general and special education population. These job duties and opportunities have enabled me to develop strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills, which allow me to cultivate a supportive learning environment and reinforce the school’s standards, policies, and goals.
As an Assistant Principal, I continue to aspire to establish a school culture and an educational program conducive to student learning as well as socialization. I seek to promote staff professional growth and development as well as teamwork and cooperation. I also seek to coordinate my efforts with those of parents and other stakeholders to ensure students remain disciplined and focused and receive the appropriate interventions to meet their needs.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to serve you! Looking forward to a great school year!
Phone: 404-802-3100
Email: Leslie.White@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts, Spelman College
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
Doctor of Education (Specialization in Psychology of the Exceptional Child)
Educational Specialist
Ms. Kartia Louis-Jean, Assistant Principal (Curriculum and Instruction)
Ms. Kartia Louis-Jean serves as an Assistant Principal at Frederick Douglass High School, where she is dedicated to creating an environment where she can equip, empower, and engage students and educators. With an extensive career in education spanning 21 years, Ms. Louis-Jean brings a wealth of experience that allows her to create a robust academic culture and cultivate a thriving student life and culture. Prior to her transition to Atlanta Public Schools, she spent 18 years as an educator in the Miami-Dade County Public School System.
She was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Ms. Louis-Jean holds a bachelor's in Public Administration from Florida A&M University and an M.S. in Reading Education from Florida Memorial University. She also continued her educational credentials to receive a 2nd Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida.
Ms. Louis-Jean began her educational career in Miami, Florida, where she first taught English 1-IV and Intensive Reading at the historic Booker T. Washington High School in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. She had a strong calling to transition from the classroom to assist with building the capacity of other teachers. Therefore, she accepted the call to serve as an instructional/turnaround Academic Coach. Her expertise in school turnaround was developed during this meaningful time in her career. Her commitment to building and cultivating instructional practices continued to grow as she moved to serve as a district Curriculum Support Specialist for the Educational Transformational Office (ETO) in MDCPS. This office was responsible for supporting educators in Miami-Dade County’s most fragile schools. She was a part of the work that eliminated all D and F schools in the district. Through her many endeavors, she took her next call to serve in school leadership. She furthered her career serving as an Assistant Principal at Miami Edison Sr. High School. During a life-changing year, she decided to take a chance and move to Atlanta in 2021 and accepted the Assistant Principal position at Douglass High School.
She is known for her grit, determination, and passion to push Frederick Douglass High School to the next level and to return it back to its glory days of academic excellence and prominence. She continues to live and embody a phrase coined by our principal, Forrestella Taylor “It’s a Great Day to be an Astro”! She deeply loves to serve the Astro community and she proudly leads as the Assistant Principal over Curriculum/Instruction, 12th Grade, Student Services and Student Life.
Phone: 404-802-3139
Email: Kartia.Louisjean@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor - Public Administration, Florida A&M University and an
Master of Science - Reading Education,Florida Memorial University
Master of Education - Educational Leadership, University of West Florida
Ms. Alana Allen, Athletic Director
Ms. Alana Allen is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She is a proud graduate of Stone Mountain High School. It was her experiences at Stone Mountain High School that cemented her destiny to become an educator. Having a pure love and passion for helping others landed Ms. Alana Allen earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Georgia State University and a Masters Degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University.
Ms. Allen is proud to begin her 20th year of education and 4th year as Director of Athletics at Frederick Douglass High School. During her tenure as an educator, she has had a myriad of experiences that have shaped her into the servant leader she is. She taught Math for four years in DeKalb County Schools (Stone Mountain High School) and eight years in Atlanta Public Schools (Harper-Archer Middle School). While at Stone Mountain High School, she coached softball, volleyball, and girls’ basketball. As an assistant basketball coach, under the direction of a state championship head coach, she learned what winning looked like. While working at Harper-Archer Middle School, she was able to help lead the girls basketball team to back-to-back middle school championships. She was afforded the opportunity to be the Athletic Director at Harper-Archer Middle School. During her tenure, she won two girls basketball championships and two football championships. After her success at the feeder middle school, Ms. Allen was asked to be a part of the Frederick Douglass Girls Basketball Coaching Staff. She served in the role of assistant coach for 4 years. In 2015, she was afforded the opportunity to become Frederick Douglass’ girls’ basketball varsity head coach. She was soon after named the volleyball coach as well as the girls' track coach. As the head volleyball coach, she helped lead her Frederick Douglass volleyball team to their 1st State Tournament Appearance . As the girls track coach, she was able to lead the 2018 girls 4x4 relay team to a state championship. During her run as the girls varsity basketball coach, she was able to win 3 region championships as well as back to back state championships. This accomplishment was the 1st time in Douglass History for a girls’ team to win the state title and the 1st time in Atlanta Public Schools History that a girls' team would win back to back state titles in basketball.
In 2021, Ms. Allen was given the opportunity to become the Athletic Director at Frederick Douglass HS. She is a member of the Georgia Athletic Directors Association(GADA), Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA), Atlanta Tip Off Club, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Her favorite quote is: “Students don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Ms. Allen’s goal is to be an effective educator who serves as a catalyst for all students to achieve excellence. It is her sincere belief that by creating a supportive and caring environment, students will be encouraged to reach their greatest potential in life, coaches will be inspired and energized to give their very best to the students they serve, thus serving and empowering the greater community. Her desire is to leave a legacy that is etched in creating meaningful and impactful educational experiences that will positively impact the students' lives she serves, forever.
Email: aaallen@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Georgia State University
Masters Degree - Community Counseling, Argosy University.