Arkansas native, Karli Saracini, brings her extensive education experience and visionary planning to her role as Assistant Commissioner in the Arkansas Department of Education. Karli’s career is marked by her deep involvement in education and her knowledge spans policy, law, and effective educational practices. She has worked in various capacities within the education system including classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, principal, human resources director, adjunct professor, and assistant superintendent.  

As Assistant Commissioner, Karli oversees the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Educator Effectiveness and Licensure Unit.  Her responsibilities include enhancing the effectiveness of educators through professional development, evaluation, and support; ensuring compliance with licensure requirements for teachers and administrators; and advocating for effective teaching practices to support students. Karli’s visionary approach includes identifying trends and innovations in education, crafting strategies to elevate teaching quality and student outcomes, and collaborating with stakeholders to shape policies that benefit Arkansas students.

Karli's remarkable knowledge of policy and law informs decision-making and contributes to the overall improvement of education in Arkansas. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. She has also completed the Arkansas Leadership Academy’s Master Principal program.