With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Jertarius Cook is a leader dedicated to advancing equity, excellence, and educator development. She currently serves as a Program Manager for the Georgia Department of Education, where she leads statewide initiatives to strengthen the educator pipeline, ensuring schools across Georgia are equipped with highly qualified and supported teachers.
Dr. Cook’s career began in the elementary classroom, where she cultivated a passion for student success and instructional excellence. Her trajectory reflects a steady progression of impact, moving from classroom teacher to instructional school leader, then to district leader, and ultimately to state-level leadership. At each stage, she has championed professional growth, instructional innovation, and systemic improvement for educators and students alike.
A proven strategist and collaborator, Dr. Cook brings deep expertise in K–12 education, leadership development, and organizational improvement. Her work continues to shape the future of education in Georgia by building sustainable systems that recruit, retain, and empower educators to thrive.