The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) serves over 900,000 students across 1,400 public schools in 24 local education agencies and
7,000 child care providers within the state’s 23 counties plus Baltimore City.
MSDE’s Division of Rehabilitation Services provides leadership and support in promoting the employment, economic self-sufficiency, and independence of individuals with disabilities. MSDE works collaboratively with the Maryland State Board of Education and stakeholders to ensure the promise of an excellent and equitable education for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved. MSDE is made up of a dedicated team of educators, specialists, and administrators joined together by a single vision: to be a system of world-class schools where students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, career, and life.
Dr. Carey Wright
Interim State Superintendent
https://marylandpublicschools.org
Dr. Carey M. Wright was appointed Interim State Superintendent of Education by the Maryland State Board of Education in October 2023. A native Marylander, she previously served for nine years as State Superintendent of Education for Mississippi, where she is credited with its elevation as a national leader in literacy instruction and outcomes.
Dr. Wright was chief academic officer for District of Columbia Public Schools as well as deputy chief for the Office of Teaching and Learning. Dr. Wright also served as associate superintendent for the Office of Special Education and Student Services for Montgomery County Public Schools. She was a teacher, principal, and director of special education and student services in Howard County Public School System. A product of Prince George’s County Public Schools, she returned to begin her teaching career in the county schools.
Dr. Wright is a former member of the Chiefs for Change Board of Directors. Notably, the U.S. Secretary of Education appointed her in 2019 to the National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for NAEP, the Nation’s Report Card. Her honors include the 2022 Mississippi Top 50 Most Influential Leaders Award. She is a University of Maryland graduate, earning undergraduate, advanced and doctoral degrees in education.