Dr. Caresa Brooks has been named Murfreesboro City Schools’ Coordinator of Literacy and Instructional Interventions.

“Caresa interned with us at Murfreesboro City Schools and we are thrilled that she now will be a permanent part of our system,” Director of Schools Dr. Linda Gilbert said. “She is recognized in Tennessee, the southeast region, and nationally for her expertise in the development of effective instructional interventions that address reading problems”

Most recently Brooks was the Coordinator of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Reading Clinic at Vanderbilt University, a position she held since August 2003.

She also is adjunct faculty for Dyslexic Studies at MTSU. She has been an Assistant Professor of Dyslexic Studies at MTSU, a Research Assistant in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt, Supervisor of Clinical Services at MTSU’s Tennessee Center for Dyslexia, and a Graduate Assistant at that same Center.

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MCS has also appointed Karen Hawkins as the new coordinator of curriculum.

“As Coordinator of Curriculum for Murfreesboro City Schools, Ms. Hawkins brings tremendous educational experience and a strong understanding of learning theory and effective instructional practices” Gilbert said. “She is exceptionally qualified for the position and we look forward to her joining Murfreesboro City Schools.”

Hawkins has served as Professional Development Coordinator since 2006 for Williamson County Schools.

Prior to that position she worked in a similar position as a curriculum specialist for Williamson County Schools.

Hawkins’ classroom experiences are as a K-6 special education teacher in Franklin Special School District, a secondary special education teacher in Williamson County, and a K-5 special education teacher in Griffin, GA.

She was the Franklin Special School District Teacher of the Year in 1996-97.