Ivey appoints new secretary of Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Gov. Kay Ivey has named a new secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education.

In a press release Tuesday, the governor’s office announced that Ami Brooks will be the next person to lead the department. Current acting Secretary Jan Hume, who lead the agency for two years, is taking a job as a professor at Auburn University. She worked at the ADECE for 14 years.

“People like Jan and Ami are why Alabama has led the nation in early childhood education for 19 consecutive years. Throughout her tenure as acting secretary and at the Department, Jan has fully embraced our goal to give every Alabama child a strong start through efforts like improving the quality of Pre-K to implementing new initiatives like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library,” said Ivey. I am grateful to Jan for her service to Alabama and know Auburn will benefit from her expertise in the years to come.”

Brooks currently serves as director for the P-3 Partnership at the ADECE, where she administers all aspects of the P-3 program, which the governor’s office says is the foundation of Ivey’s Strong Start, Strong Finish initiative. She also has background as a coach facilitator with the department and was one of the state’s first coach facilitators.

“I am excited to promote Ami to lead the Department of Early Childhood Education to build on our success. Ami’s several years with the Department and her background as a Pre-K and kindergarten teacher make her exceptionally qualified to lead the agency. Truly, serving our state’s youngest citizens is her passion,” the governor said.

Both Hume and the governor say Brooks has been a key leader in the department’s success over the years, having managed the implementation of the statewide assessment tool, and leading the revision of the Kindergarten Entry Assessment.

For almost two decades, Brooks taught Alabama students ranging from Pre-K to 4th grade. In 2017, she was a finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year.

“It’s an incredible honor to be appointed by Governor Ivey to serve as secretary for the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education,” said Brooks. “Young children have always been my joy, and I’m thrilled to continue collaborating with dedicated individuals who share a commitment to giving every child a strong start. It is a privilege to contribute to this important work and help further its positive impact. I am grateful to Governor Ivey for this opportunity.”

Brooks will officially take the helm June 16. Hume will remain at the department through the summer to help in the transition period.

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