Patricia I. Wright - Biography
Superintendent's Message BiographyDr. Patricia I. Wright - Superintendent of Public Instruction
During her more than 20 years with the Virginia Department of Education and 33 total years in public education, Dr. Patricia I. Wright has worked closely with the Board of Education, governors, the General Assembly, local school systems and professional organizations to develop and implement Virginia’s standards-based accountability program and statewide system of support for public schools.
Dr. Wright became Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction on October 1, 2008, after being appointed to the position by Governor Timothy M. Kaine in July 2008.
As superintendent, Dr. Wright serves as the executive officer of the Virginia Department of Education, which is the administrative agency for the commonwealth’s public schools. She also serves as secretary of the Board of Education.
Prior to her appointment as the commonwealth’s chief school officer, Dr. Wright served as chief deputy superintendent, acting superintendent, deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent for instruction, director of secondary instruction, associate director of secondary instruction and state mathematics specialist.
Before coming to VDOE in 1985, Dr. Wright taught mathematics for 10 years at the secondary and middle school levels in Sussex County and Chesterfield County public schools.
Dr. Wright received her doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in mathematics education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from James Madison University.
Dr. Wright is a native of Brunswick County and a product of Virginia’s public school system.
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