Kimberley Harrington today was sworn in as the New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner.

Harrington, replacing Davis Hespe, had been Acting Commissioner for the past nine months. Her nomination as commissioner was approved by the State Senate in June.

“Kimberley’s body of experience and deep devotion to providing New Jersey students with the highest quality education make her a perfect choice to lead the Department of Education as Commissioner,” said Governor Christie. “I am pleased to have her as part of my cabinet and working to strengthen educational opportunities for all New Jersey students.”

Harrington is a former classroom teacher and school administrator who has more than 20 years of experience implementing academic programs and working directly with students and parents. As a classroom teacher in New Jersey for 16 years, she taught all grades from kindergarten to eighth. She then served three years as director of curriculum and instruction at the local level.

In 2012, Harrington came to the New Jersey Department of Education as Director of Academic Standards, where she led the Department’s outreach to teachers and school leaders on how to align their local curriculum with the state’s academic standards. Most recently, she served as Assistant Commissioner/Chief Academic Officer overseeing many programs, including implementation of New Jersey’s Student Learning Standards with the ultimate goal of providing a path for students to become college- and career-ready.

Harrington earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Gordon College and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from The College of New Jersey. She holds New Jersey certifications as a teacher, supervisor, and principal.