Department of Defense Education Activity students work on word puzzles at Fort Knox, Ky., on Sept. 17, 2024. DODEA announced Monday that it had selected Tiffany Hoben as its new Chief Academic Officer, saying her focus will be advancing patriotism, classical learning and civics education within the military school system. (DODEA)
The Pentagon will look to emphasize patriotism, classical learning and civics education in its school system with its latest leadership change.
Tiffany Hoben was named the new chief academic officer, the Department of Defense Education Activity announced late Monday.
Hoben will oversee the education of more than 67,000 students in pre-K to 12th grade at 161 schools in Europe, Asia and the United States.
In that role, Hoben will ensure “continued innovation and excellence, while advancing a strong focus on patriotism, classical learning, and civics education in support of military-connected students worldwide,” a DODEA statement said.
Hoben has experience leading initiatives that align with those values and more than two decades of work as a teacher and administrator, according to DODEA.
She was the regional director of K-12 civics literacy at the Florida Department of Education, where she was responsible for implementing the state’s Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative under Gov. Ron DeSantis and revising the civics and government standards for more than 1 million students, DODEA said.
The Florida initiative strove to prepare students “to become knowledgeable, civically engaged adults who contribute positively to their communities” with a heavy focus on the U.S. Constitution, according to an official description of the program.
Hoben replaces Jayme Linton, who served as DODEA’s chief academic officer since February 2025. DODEA did not respond to a question about whether Linton’s departure was voluntary. Hoben’s arrival marks the agency’s second big leadership change in the last month.
Paul Craft was named DODEA’s new director effective March 9. He replaced Beth Schiavino-Narvaez, who had been in the job for less than two years. No reason was given for her departure.
Craft called Hoben “a proven leader with a deep commitment to educational excellence and student achievement.
“Her experience leading instructional initiatives and her dedication to serving students and educators make her exceptionally well-suited to guide” DODEA’s academic vision, he said in the statement.
Craft also thanked Linton for her service, noting that her leadership and commitment to students strengthened DODEA’s academic programs.
Hoben most recently worked for the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy as the director of education partnerships and strategy, according to her LinkedIn profile. The nonprofit think tank promotes greater access to public and private school choice options.
Hoben also served for several years in the Florida National Guard as a combat medic specialist, according to DODEA. She has a Master of Arts in education administration from the University of South Florida.
