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Superintendent Woods welcomes new Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Fine Arts Specialist

 MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Cardoza, GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 651-7358, mcardoza@gadoe.org

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June 1, 2015 – State School Superintendent Richard Woods today welcomed two new staff members to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) team. Dr. Caitlin Dooley started today as the Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Ms. Jessica Booth began her role in a newly created position as the Fine Arts Specialist.

 

Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Dooley comes from Georgia State University’s College of Education, where she was an Associate Professor. She has worked as an elementary classroom teacher, teacher educator, and educational researcher. One of her primary roles as Deputy Superintendent will be to lead a statewide early literacy initiative.

 

“One of my focuses has been and will continue to be early literacy, and I have full confidence that Dr. Dooley is the right person to spearhead this important work,” Superintendent Woods said. “We know early literacy is a critical component of improving outcomes for all students, and my administration will make it a top priority, as I believe early literacy ultimately leads to everything from higher attendance rates to better graduation rates. I am very excited to welcome Dr. Caitlin Dooley to the GaDOE team.”

 

Since earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas, Dooley has published over 50 articles, chapters and editorials on literacy instruction, children’s learning, learning technologies, and education policy. With a record of funded research projects totaling more than $17 million, she brings extensive experience leading collaborative teams. She has served on several Boards, including the National Council of Teachers of English and Decatur Makers.

 

Dr. Dooley replaces Dr. Martha Reichrath, a longtime educator and Deputy Superintendent at the GaDOE, who has retired.

 

“Dr. Martha Reichrath’s service to the students of Georgia has made our state a better place for students,” Superintendent Woods said. “Her entire career has been about helping students so they could have a fulfilling life after high school. I wish her the very best in her retirement.”

 

Fine Arts Specialist

Jessica Booth comes to the GaDOE with a career in fine arts at the school, school district, and university levels. Ms. Booth was most recently the Director of Fine Arts for the Atlanta Public Schools where she served for almost two years. Ms. Booth has received many state and national honors, including:

 

• Named 2011 National Art Education Association Southeastern Supervision and Administration Art Educator of the Year

• Named 2011 Georgia Art Education Association Art Administrator of the Year

• Named 2009 National Art Education Association Southeastern Secondary Art Teacher of the Year

• Named 2009 Georgia Art Education Association Secondary Art Educator of the Year

 

“I am thrilled to have Ms. Booth on board with us to focus on expanding virtual fine arts opportunities across the state,” said Superintendent Woods. “I believe education is so much more than just the four main content areas. When students have fun and are engaged in the fine arts, they are much more likely to stay in school and graduate. As long as I am serving as Georgia’s School Superintendent, we will have a focus on the fine arts.”​

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