Dr. Lisa Coons VA Superintendent of Public Instruction The Right To Read - Panelist Dr. Lisa Coons brings a rich background in education, rooted in a family legacy of educators. With experience spanning across three states, she now proudly calls Virginia home, where she serves military-connected families and all 1.3 million children in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a military spouse and mother, Dr. Coons is deeply committed to supporting educational excellence, especially for her grandchildren residing in Virginia Beach. During her tenure as chief academic officer for the Tennessee Department of Education, Dr. Coons led comprehensive academic programming from early childhood to grade 12, overseeing areas such as language arts, mathematics, science, and fine arts. Her experience as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in Tennessee and Ohio has equipped her with invaluable insights into educational leadership. Dr. Coons holds a doctorate in education from Lipscomb University, further solidifying her expertise in the field.