Former East Haddam School Coordinator Named State Dept. of Education Commissioner

Gov. Dannel Malloy announced Friday that Dianna Wentzell will serve as the new commission of the State Department of Education.

Wentzell has been serving as the interim commissioner since January.

“Dr. Wentzell has dedicated her career to delivering a brighter future for the children of this state, teaching in several school systems, having a direct and positive impact on improving students’ lives, and preparing them for college and careers,” Malloy said.

She started her career in education in 1988 in Farmington, first at Farmington High School then Irving A. Robbins Middle School. She taught political science, history and social studies courses and help lead a gifted education program until 1998.

She spent a year teaching in Pakistan and also served as an enrichment teaching and learning coordinator in the East Haddam Public Schools system.

Later on she worked with the Capitol Region Education Council in Hartford and a literacy curriculum specialist in the South Windsor school system.

Malloy said that there was a rich field of applicants for the position, including deputy commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Alan Ingram and the state’s own superintendents Fran Rabinowitz and Nate Quesnel.

“I am grateful to Governor Malloy and the State Board of Education for affording me the privilege of this nomination and offering me the opportunity to continue to serve our students, families, and educators,” Wentzell said. “Connecticut is home to incredible students, great teachers, and fantastic schools. Our graduation rates are climbing and achievement gaps are beginning to close. However, we have much more work to do to ensure that all students are afforded the opportunity and advantages of high-expectations and a high-quality education.”

Image via Gov. Malloy office