Sisterhood Spotlight

What first sparked your interest in education?

I come from a family of educators; my father and my aunt are both high school math teachers who continue to teach in Oklahoma and Colorado. From my earliest memories, I remember going to my dad’s classroom and helping him set up his room for the new school year. I used to “play school” in the garage, and I formalized my teaching experiences in high school as a Math and ELA Lab tutor and a swimming instructor. As I became a high school English teacher, I saw inequities in student experiences. I became a middle school principal, curriculum supervisor and assistant superintendent to redesign school systems to better serve students. Then, I realized the opportunity state leaders have to impact all students in the state with true policy development and collaborative policy implementation. Through this model, I saw dramatic literacy gains in my work in Tennessee, and I am excited to work with all stakeholders in Virginia to see results for our students.

How has being appointed Virginia’s 27^th superintendent of public instruction inspired your career?

I am humbled to serve Governor Youngkin and implement his bold and ambitious education agenda that ensures all parents are equal partners in their children’s education and that every child is ready to pursue their career goals after high school.

What’s an interesting lesson or learning experience you’d like to share with Virginians?

First, students will rise to the expectations set for them. If we believe they can achieve and provide them with high-quality, licensed teachers and a safe and healthy school, they will be successful. Research shows that we can change opportunities for students with the right combination of rigorous expectations and exceptional support.

We also have to ensure students have innovative learning experiences inside their classroom, across their school and are able to attend cutting edge regional schools that break the mold of traditional education. We will accomplish this innovation when all stakeholders collaborate to revision what school should look like for the future.

What advice do you have for Virginia’s Women+girls (W+g) who are interested in becoming educators?

As an educator, we are uniquely poised to impact the future and inspire young people to achieve their dreams. I often talk to young women in my church, in my school visits and at community events about the power of teaching. When a young woman chooses to become an educator,  she is able to build relationships with thousands (and sometimes millions) of young people, inspire children to learn and ensure that the system supports their opportunities to be successful. Educators can truly change the world, and children need supportive adults to help them grow and learn now more than ever.

As students are returning to school, what would you like to say to Virginia parents and families?

Get excited! Our future is full of possibilities. When our families are partners in their child’s education, the opportunities are endless.

About Dr. Lisa Coons

Dr. Lisa Coons comes from a family of educators and is a career educator herself. She has served in a variety of local and state roles in three different states and is proud to now call Virginia her home. As a military spouse and mom, Lisa is honored to serve the most military-connected families in the country. In addition, she is dedicated to support all 1.3 million children in the Commonwealth, especially her two grandchildren that reside in Virginia Beach.

Lisa served as chief academic officer for the Tennessee Department of Education for several years, where she led all academic programming from birth to grade 12, including K-12 teaching and learning in language arts, mathematics, science, and fine arts; early childhood education; voluntary pre-K and Head Start. Dr. Coons also served as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent in Tennessee and Ohio.  She holds a doctorate in education from Lipscomb University.