Kay Ivey has appointed Dr. Barbara Cooper to serve as the state’s next Secretary of Early Childhood Education.
“Dr. Barbara Cooper has spent her professional career dedicated to helping students achieve their greatest potential. She and I share the same goal, and that is to make Alabama a better place, which begins with our youngest citizens,” Ivey said.
“With her vast experience in various administrative positions, Dr. Cooper is more than qualified, and I have no doubt that she will continue the impressive work of the Department of Early Childhood Education. I am confident that Alabama will continue leading the nation with the best early childhood education system.”
According to the Governor’s press release, Cooper has over 30 years of education experience and has worked with the Department of Early Childhood Education since 2018. Before her appointment as Secretary, she served as the department’s Director of the Office of School Readiness and the Birth to Grade 12 Advisor for the Alabama Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation. Cooper attended Western Illinois University and the University of Colorado at Denver. She is currently working on a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard University.
“Education is the greatest profession and the work we do in our calling as educators will last beyond our lifetime, Dr. Barbara Cooper said. “I look forward to serving Alabama’s children and families for many years to come. I appreciate Governor Ivey’s confidence in selecting me to serve in this new capacity and I look forward to hitting the ground running.”
According to the department’s website, the organization’s mission is to inspire, support, and deliver cohesive, comprehensive systems of high quality education and care so that all Alabama children thrive and learn. The department oversees the state’s Head Start program and nationally recognized Pre-K program.
Cooper’s appointment is effective immediately.
