Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Office of Catholic Education names Jodie Ricci Director of Curriculum and Instruction

CLEVELAND, OH – The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is pleased to announce the appointment of Jodie Ricci as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Office of Catholic Education. Ricci brings more than 30 years of experience in education, spanning early childhood through higher education, along with a deep commitment to Catholic education and instructional excellence.

In her new role, Ricci will provide leadership for curriculum development, instructional quality, professional learning, and data-informed academic practices across the diocese's Catholic schools. She will work closely with principals, teachers, and diocesan leadership to strengthen academic outcomes while ensuring curriculum remains rooted in Catholic identity and mission while meeting all Ohio educational standards.

Ricci currently serves as principal of Notre Dame–Cathedral Latin High School, where she has led faculty and staff in expanding academic offerings, advancing innovation initiatives, and implementing advanced instructional coaching models. Her previous experience includes senior leadership roles at Hawken School, service as an instructional coach with Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and work as an adjunct professor at Baldwin Wallace University. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Mount Union and executive education certificates from Case Western Reserve University. Across these roles, she has led instructional efforts in diverse cultures, organizations, and learning environments in the United States and around the world. In addition, her scholarship on creativity in education includes extensive publications and presentations.

Ricci has also been actively engaged in ministry and leadership within the Diocese of Cleveland, serving as a speaker at diocesan leadership conferences and representing Catholic education at national gatherings.

“My philosophy of Catholic education begins with a simple conviction: that learning is an act of faith,” Ricci shared. She added, “When led by this belief, our Catholic schools become places of transformation, forming students who are prepared to address the challenges of the world without forgetting who they are and whose they are.”

“I am delighted to welcome Jodie Ricci, whose extensive experience in curriculum design, professional learning, and systems-level leadership will be a true gift to our schools,” said diocesan superintendent Dr. Frank O’Linn. “As our Catholic schools continue to navigate a rapidly changing educational landscape, Jodie brings both the vision and the faith-filled leadership needed to support academic excellence and strengthen the vitality of Catholic education throughout Northeast Ohio.

Ricci will begin her new role on July 1, 2026, assuming responsibility for curriculum currently overseen by Jennifer Miroglotta, who will retire at the end of the academic year following 13 years as coordinator of curriculum for the diocese and a distinguished career in secondary and higher education.