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Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins
Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins became Superintendent of the Michigan City Area Schools on July 1, 2010.
Her top priorities as MCAS Superintendent have centered on strengthening the instructional core, expanding Career and Technical education opportunities, and making Michigan City a system of choice through increased options for families and students. She led efforts to establish elementary magnet schools in the Arts (at Pine) and in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (at Lake Hills) and instituted programs for gifted and talented students at three elementary buildings. She is currently working to transform the district’s three middle schools to offer curricula centered on the areas of STEM, Environmental Science, and the Arts. She continues to work collaboratively with partners in higher education, business, and industry to realign programs and curricula to support students and to meet 21st century workforce needs.Previously, Dr. Eason-Watkins was Chief Education Officer of the Chicago Public Schools. She was appointed to this post in 2001 by then Chief Executive Officer Arne Duncan, who is currently the U.S. Secretary of Education. As the lead curriculum and instruction strategist for the third-largest school district in the nation, Dr. Eason-Watkins led efforts to reform policies and institute key initiatives to diminish the lingering achievement gap.
Prior to her appointment as CPS Chief Education Officer, Dr. Eason-Watkins was a nationally recognized school principal from the Chicago Woodlawn community. Her vast experience in education includes teaching in Highland Park, Michigan, near her hometown of Detroit. She has spent her entire professional career working with schools, students, teachers, parents, and community members to improve the quality of public education.
Dr. Eason-Watkins received a Bachelor’s Degree with honors in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Chicago State University, and a Doctorate in Education, with a specialty in Curriculum and Instruction, from Loyola University Chicago. She has received numerous awards for her continued commitment to education.