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.”
