DoDEA Announces Changes in Educational Leadership

Department of Defense Education Activity News Release

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 5, 2015 – The Department of Defense Education Activity today announced the selection of a new principal deputy director and associate director for education, said Thomas M. Brady, DoDEA director.

Linda L. Curtis moves into the role with the departure of Adrian B. Talley who will become the executive director of student services in Prince Georges County Schools in Maryland.

Brady cited Curtis’ experience in DoDEA schools as a critical factor in moving the system’s priorities forward in the coming months and years. The new assignment is a promotion for Curtis, who moves to tier 2 of the federal civil service’s Senior Executive Service. Curtis currently is the director of DoDEA Pacific Schools.

Brady also named Gael Coyle as acting area director of DoDEA Pacific Schools – she is currently the deputy director for curriculum, instruction and assessment for DoDEA Pacific Schools.

Experienced Educator

“Dr. Curtis’ experience in DoDEA truly spans every level -- from teacher to administrator to educational leader,” Brady said. “She served in DoDEA schools in Europe as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, district superintendent, and deputy area director.”

He added, “In our stateside schools, Dr. Curtis has served as the deputy director for curriculum, instruction and assessment and the interim area director. Not only does she bring a vast amount of experience and perspective, but she also brings a tremendous amount of energy and dedication and a passion for education and student achievement. We are fortunate to be able to invest her experience into achieving our school system’s top priority of college and career readiness.”

Curtis shared her thoughts about her new assignment and continuing to serve military-connected students and their families.

“It is an honor and privilege to continue to serve our military and civilian families,” she said. “I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of positions from teacher to director in all three areas -- Europe, Pacific, the Americas, and now at DoDEA headquarters. This promotion gives me an opportunity to bring my field experience to the headquarters level,” she added.

“I look forward to working with the headquarters staff in support of DoDEA Director, Tom Brady,” Curtis continued. “By focusing on college, career, ready standards, 21st century skills and high student achievement, DoDEA will continue to be a world class school system.”

Prior to joining DoDEA, Curtis, taught in Australia and in Fort Wayne, Indiana, schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University. Additionally, she earned two master's degrees from Indiana University in school administration and elementary education with a concentration in reading and special education. In 2006, Curtis earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Argosy University.

Nearly 30 Years of Experience

Brady cited Coyle’s nearly 30 years of experience in DoDEA schools as a valuable attribute in her new assignment.

“Dr. Coyle’s experience in a wide range of positions from classroom teacher to administrator to assistant superintendent will be invaluable to directing our schools in the Pacific as we transition to college and career readiness throughout the DoDEA school system,” he said.

Prior to her current assignment, Coyle was the assistant superintendent of DoDEA’s Fort Stewart/South Carolina District. She has also served in DoDEA as the principal at Alconbury High School in England. She joined DoDEA schools in Edzell, Scotland, at Halsey Elementary School as a mild-to-moderate, learning-impaired teacher and later worked in England and Iceland as an educator and an administrator.

Coyle was also a junior high and middle school classroom teacher in Eugene, Oregon. She received her master’s degree from the University of Oregon in special education and completed her doctorate in administration and supervision of education at Oklahoma State University.

Curtis and Coyle begin their new assignments August 9.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education programs for school-aged children of DoD personnel who would otherwise not have access to high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, Western Asia, the Middle East, Cuba, the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

DoDEA also provides support and resources to local educational activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.