The state got a new education commissioner Friday when Gov. Dannel P. Malloy stripped the “interim” tag off Dianna L. Roberge-Wentzell’s job title and selected her to lead the state’s school systems.

Roberge-Wentzell, 50, has served as interim education commissioner since January, when former commissioner Stefan Pryor went to Rhode Island to become that state’s Secretary of Commerce.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the work started under this administration and ever improving our systems,” Roberge-Wentzell said. “In my time as interim commissioner, the potential for what we can accomplish together has really come into focus. Our graduation rates are on the rise and achievement gaps are beginning to close.”

For the two years prior to her interim appointment, Roberge-Wentzell served as the state Department of Education’s chief academic officer and oversaw the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced test that accompanies the new standards.

“She has over 25 years of experience as an educator in Connecticut, teaching in several school systems, having a direct and positive impact on improving students’ lives, and preparing them for college and careers,” Malloy said. “Since then, she has proven to be an effective leader of our education system and has done a remarkable job as interim commissioner of the department.”

Before joining the state education department, Roberge-Wentzell worked as deputy chief academic officer and assistant superintendent for Hartford Public Schools, working for a time under Special Master Steven J. Adamowski.

Roberge-Wentzell also has classroom teaching experience, having been a teacher in East Hartford, Farmington and an international school in Pakistan, something Malloy said made her an attractive candidate for the commissioner position.

Pryor, a lawyer whose experience was in economic development and who had opened a charter school, was not popular among teachers and the unions that represent teachers.

“I think I made it clear we were looking from day one for someone who has been a teacher,” the governor said. “It was a factor, but the biggest factor was the working relationship that has grown up between the commissioner-designate and my administration.”

Roberge-Wentzell said she learned as many lessons as she taught during her time in the classroom and that her teaching career continues to inform her decision making.

Malloy said Roberge-Wentzell was not initially a candidate for the commissioner job, but became “convinced she was the right person at the right time” after working with her as interim commissioner.

“I pulled the commissioner aside and had a conversation with her,” Malloy said. “She was not initially a candidate, I asked her to consider being a candidate and once she agreed to be a candidate I asked the state Board of Education to review her qualifications.”

About half an hour before Malloy’s announcement, the state Board of Education voted unanimously to recommend Roberge-Wentzell for the commissioner’s post.

She hold a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College, a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Hartford, according to a resume provided by the Department of Education.

As commissioner, Roberge-Wentzell will collect an annual salary of $192,500, the governor said.

c.young@theday.com

Twitter: @ColinAYoung