Dr. Michelle Wallace is the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction at the Virginia Department of Education where she leads the state’s efforts to support 131 school divisions in English, Humanities, Math, Science, and Health, Physical and Driver Education programming. Over the last 25 years in education, she has been a high school science teacher; division leader in PK-12 instruction, federal grant implementation, professional learning, teacher mentoring programs, and technology; and state leader in school quality improvement and K-12 instruction. She is a systems thinker and has led many projects division- and state-wide that coordinate across offices and programs to produce positive instructional supports which have led to better student outcomes. She has a passion for growing others’ leadership skills to drive innovation and success. She keeps students and teachers at the foundation of the work to remain committed to excellence for quality educational experiences.