For Immediate Release: February 1, 2024
Contact: communications@doe.virginia.gov
Todd.Reid@doe.virginia.gov
Dr. Sorensen named Acting Superintendent of La Joya Independent
School District
RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Education congratulates Dr. Marcey Sorensen, VDOE Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, on being named as Acting Superintendent of the La Joya Independent School District in La Joya, Texas. Dr. Sorensen was named to the position by Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath due to the district being in intervention status with the Texas Education Agency.
“The fact that Texas sought out Dr. Sorensen to help improve one of their most challenging school districts reaffirms what we knew when she joined us in Virginia: she’s a talented, in-demand professional who makes an impact for children,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “I’m proud of the work Marcey has done for Virginia. I’m proud of the impact she’s made, and I’m even more proud that others have recognized the great work she does for kids.”
“The professionals at VDOE are essential to helping Virginia students recover from pandemic learning loss, and I’m grateful to have supported so many educators and superintendents on these efforts. Virginia’s high-intensity tutoring and literacy work is incredibly important, and sets a model for other states to follow,” said Dr. Marcey Sorensen. “As an educator, I love kids, and whether it’s in Virginia or Texas I know that our focus must always be on what’s best for them.”
“Dr. Marcey Sorensen is a knowledgeable, accomplished, and highly skilled educational leader who has amassed an impressive body of work in education with proven results. Her commitment to improving the quality of life for every learner through high quality education is unparalleled,” said Superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools LaTanya McDade. “Dr. Sorensen's wealth of experience in continuous improvement in education and advancing academic achievement for diverse student populations make her an exceptional choice to lead the La Joya ISD.”
While Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Sorensen led the VDOE’s successful efforts to revise Virginia’s Math Standards of Learning, as well as directed the preparation for implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, including updating the Virginia Literacy Act Core Instructional Program Guide (K-5) and the approval of the Virginia Literacy Act District Literacy Plan Template.
Dr. Sorensen also supported school divisions in the establishment of the ALL In high-intensity tutoring programs, including developing the ALL In High-Intensity Academic Tutoring Division Playbook. She also led VDOE’s efforts to make the digital tutoring practice platforms Zearn, Lexia, and Ignite available to students.
“It has been a privilege for our school division to collaborate with Dr. Sorensen during her time as Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at the VDOE. It’s bittersweet, but I’m excited to see her take on a new role as Acting Superintendent at a high-needs school district in Texas. I know she will do an outstanding job,” said Superintendent of Louisa County Public Schools Doug Straley.
“During her tenure as the Virginia Department of Education’s Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Marcey Sorensen has been a huge supporter of Chesapeake Public Schools,” said Superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools Jared Cotton. “Her visionary leadership, especially in championing the Science of Reading, has ignited a transformative wave in literacy education. Through her steadfast advocacy, Dr. Sorensen has given unwavering dedication and exemplary support to advancing literacy across the commonwealth.”
“We know Dr. Sorensen from her work managing the evidence-based reading instruction Path Forward Partnership between the VDOE and the Hunt Institute. She’s been a leader in driving forward Virginia’s literacy instruction and has helped set the stage for the upcoming literacy reforms in Virginia’s classrooms,” said Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute and former Virginia Secretary of Education. “She is going to make a real difference in a challenged division in Texas, and I am excited to see the change she can bring to the schools there.”
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