Dr. Selena Blankenship, a former Jackson County educator who most recently served as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in the Clarke County School District, will serve as the state Department of Education’s (GaDOE’s) new Teacher Recruitment and Retention Coordinator.
In this role, Dr. Blankenship will oversee Teach in the Peach, Georgia’s statewide teacher recruitment and retention initiative, according to state Schools Supt. Richard Woods. Teach in the Peach is a statewide campaign dedicated to “Making Georgia the #1 State for Teachers to Teach” by attracting, recognizing, and retaining top talent in education.
Dr. Blankenship began her career in the classroom, teaching in Clarke, Wayne, and Liberty counties before moving into school and district leadership.
In her roles with the Clarke and Jackson County school districts, Dr. Blankenship led HR strategy and teacher pipeline development, worked with partners to increase university field placements, built induction programs for new teachers, and launched recognition and wellness initiatives that improved retention. In Clarke County, she created and launched the district’s Aspiring Leaders Academy and THRIVE Leader Induction to develop and retain teacher leaders, and in Jackson County, she spearheaded teacher-centered marketing campaigns to promote openings and retention.
“Her skills and experience in building strong pipelines and supporting educators’ growth will be instrumental as we continue to make Georgia the #1 State for Teachers to Teach,” Woods said.