EdNews Virginia | April 24, 2024
Em Cooper will serve as Virginia’s deputy superintendent of teaching and learning, the state’s Department of Education has announced. Cooper most recently worked in Louisiana, serving as deputy assistant superintendent of educator development. Louisiana’s Department of Education oversees more than 170 school systems that serve over 700,000 students.
“I am truly honored to have been selected to serve in this role and support the dedicated educators and school divisions in Virginia as well as its terrific students and families. I am looking forward to working closely with Dr. Coons and many others to continue the great progress that’s being made towards making Virginia one of the best states in the nation for education. Our children deserve the best of the best, and I will strive to ensure that our students, educators, and school divisions are getting what they need to thrive,” said Cooper.
Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons welcomed Cooper in a statement issued last week. “The addition of Ms. Cooper to the Virginia Department of Education is a big win for us and a big win for the Commonwealth,” said Coons. “Her proven experience in public education, track record of success championing and implementing literacy initiatives, and visionary leadership style will be a tremendous asset. I am confident that with Ms. Cooper at the helm of our Division of Teaching and Learning, we will excel in furthering the important work currently underway with the Virginia Literacy Act and implementation of our new math and English/Language Arts Standards of Learning.”
Cooper holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from Louisiana State University. In addition, she is on the Teacher Quality Advisory Council and is a member of the Council of Chief State School Officers’ Instructional Materials and Professional Development Network.