Tenette Smith

Tenette Smith, Ed.D., is Chief Academic Officer for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), leading efforts to advance academic excellence and equity for all students. She oversees curriculum development, instructional standards, and initiatives to improve achievement and close opportunity gaps. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Smith previously served as State Literacy Director and Executive Director of Elementary Education and Reading at the Mississippi Department of Education, where she led statewide literacy and early learning initiatives. Her career began as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher, later becoming Director of the Early Childhood Center at Jackson State University and a Math and Science Specialist. Dr. Smith earned a B.S. in Elementary Education, M.S. in Educational Administration, and Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education from Jackson State University. She is committed to ensuring Maryland students graduate prepared for success in college, careers, and life.