Dr. Suzanne Newell, current GCISD Director of Humanities, has been named the Executive Director of Learning. Trustees approved the recommendation during a special board meeting on Monday, May 8.
“We are so excited to have Dr. Newell serve the students and families of GCISD in this new capacity,” said GCISD Superintendent Dr. Robin Ryan. “Like her predecessor, Dr. Newell is a champion for students and teachers and now she will have the opportunity to make a difference for every student and teacher in GCISD. We look forward to seeing how she continues the work of integrating rigorous curriculum with innovative teaching practices and the intentional development of staff with professional learning communities.”
The search for a new Executive Director of Learning began when Dr. John Doughney announced his retirement after 39 years of service to public education.
As the Director of Humanities, Dr. Newell developed a kindergarten through twelfth-grade alignment in the ways that students learn Social Studies and English Language Arts. She has helped refine the role of district librarians in how they serve students and staff across the district and has led the district’s efforts in incorporating student voice as a tool for providing feedback and improving teaching and therefore learning.
Prior to working in GCISD, Dr. Newell worked for Carroll ISD from 2010-2013 as the K-12 curriculum coordinator for English, Language Arts and Reading. She began her career teaching in Oklahoma City, Southlake, San Antonio and Austin before moving out of the classroom and into administrative roles. From 1996-2000 she worked in various roles in Duncanville ISD as a curriculum coordinator, assistant director of elementary education and the director of special programs. In 2000 she joined Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD as the coordinator of instructional support. From 2003-2013 she also worked as an independent educational consultant designing professional development for a variety of school districts and publishing companies.
“Serving the students and staff of GCISD in this new role is a tremendous honor,” Dr. Newell said. “I have the utmost respect for GCISD and the strides we are making through LEAD 2021, and I look forward to continuing this work and building upon the strong foundation that has been established.”
Dr. Newell graduated with her bachelor's’ degree in early childhood education from Oklahoma State University. She received her master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas and her doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of North Texas.
She will assume her new role on July 1, 2017.