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Teaching and Learning Overview

The goal of pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 education in City Schools of Decatur is to cultivate and nurture extraordinary, critical thinkers who are ethical and inspired to make the world a better place. 

The Teaching and Learning division supports student achievement by providing comprehensive support to schools, including curriculum best practices, professional learning, early learning programs, and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) initiatives. We further enhance learning with academic enrichment through fine arts, physical education, world language, talented and gifted, and the International Baccalaureate program. Additionally, teaching and learning oversees MTSS, extended-day tutoring, and summer school to maximize student achievement.

Georgia Standards of Excellence

Many content areas have replaced the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) with the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) that provide clear expectations for instruction, assessment, and student work. Please reference the Georgia Standards of Excellence page for the most recent Georgia Standards.

Contact Us

Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning 
Jennifer Burton
Jennifer.Burton@csdecatur.net
404-371-3601 X 1040

Administrative Assistant, Teaching and Learning
Denise Burfield
denise.burfield@csdecatur.net
404-371-3601 x 1040

Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Jennifer Dunn
jdunn@csdecatur.net
404-371-3601 x 1040

Director of MTSS
Iris Im
iris.im@csdecatur.net
404-371-3601 x 1103

Director of Academic and Enrichment Programs 
Christen Gibbons
cgibbons@csdecatur.net
404-371-3601 x 1049

Career Academy CEO and CTAE Director
Terra Smiley 
tsmiley@csdecatur.net
404-371-4170 

Director of Alternate Programs
Heidi Whatley
hwhatley@csdecatur.net
404-371-3601 x  1064

Teaching & Learning Organizational Chart