NEWS & UPDATES
Dr. Diana Greene Joins Children’s Literacy Initiative as New CEO
Veteran educator Dr. Diana L. Greene brings extensive expertise in K-12 educational leadership, effective literacy instruction, and a deep commitment to supporting teachers and children
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Today, Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI) is proud to announce Dr. Diana L. Greene as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Founded in 1988 by former librarian Linda Katz, Children’s Literacy Initiative is a nonprofit organization with more than 34 years of experience developing the instructional strengths of educators and leaders in Pre-K – grade 6 schools in order to amplify and sustain powerful learning outcomes for children.
Dr. Greene has served in public education for over 37 years, previously holding roles as a classroom teacher, school principal, and, most recently, serving as the Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), the 20th-largest school district in the nation.
A champion of children, families, and educators, Dr. Greene oversaw many transformative changes at DCPS. She increased and maintained the district’s highest graduation rates over her five-year tenure, removing all schools from the state’s turnaround list, while cutting the number of low-performing schools by more than half and leading the transition to remote learning during the COVID 19 pandemic. Dr. Greene successfully led the passage of two voter referendums, raising more than $2 billion over 15 years to replace and repair school buildings and increase teacher compensation.
With a deep commitment to social justice and racial healing, Dr. Greene also oversaw the renaming of six Duval County public schools that honored Confederate leaders. Dr. Diana Greene concluded her exceptional tenure as one of only a handful of Black women in the country serving as superintendents of large school districts. Recently, the Jacksonville Public Library unveiled the Dr. Diana Greene Children’s Reading Place, a literacy center located on its main campus, in recognition of Dr. Greene’s contributions as DCPS superintendent and her passion for literacy.
“Following an extensive national search, we are thrilled to have Dr. Greene lead CLI into its next phase of impact”, stated Sandra Louk LaFleur, Chair of the Board of Directors at Children's Literacy Initiative. "CLI advances work at the intersection of professional learning, literacy, and equity, all aimed at enhancing children's learning journeys and reading outcomes in collaboration with our school partners. Dr. Greene's exceptional leadership expertise at the school district level, her unwavering dedication to childhood literacy, acumen in resource development, and profound commitment to equity in education will propel CLI forward in fulfilling its mission at a most vital time in the field of education.”
"As I embark on my next chapter in the journey to empower educators and children, joining CLI is a tremendous honor," said Dr. Diana L. Greene, CEO of Children's Literacy Initiative. "Now, more than ever, it is crucial to prioritize high-quality professional learning support for teachers and ensure that children receive the effective, joyful, and culturally responsive literacy instruction they deserve. I am thrilled to join an organization that places such immense importance on equity and evidence-based learning, and the Science of Reading, and eagerly anticipate collaborating with school and district partners nationwide to collectively build and sustain powerful learning communities.”
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