Barbara Eason-Watkins

Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins was appointed Chief Education Officer of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in 2001 by the Chief Executive Officer, Arne Duncan. As the lead curriculum and instruction strategist for the third largest school district in the nation, Dr. Eason-Watkins has led efforts to reform policies and institute key initiatives to diminish the lingering achievement gap. Under her leadership the district has garnered a catalogue of accomplishments, which include: largest award recipient in the nation for a $24.5 million literacy grant sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education; increasing the number of students with access to and taking Advanced Placement courses; sustaining expanded learning opportunities for pre-school through 12th grade students despite budget constraints; and restructuring the district’s promotion policy, formally ending the social promotion process.

Prior to her appointment as Chief Education Officer, Dr. Eason-Watkins was a nationally recognized school principal from the Chicago Woodlawn community. Her career at CPS began as the Principal of Mollison Elementary School from 1985-1988. Dr. Eason-Watkins also served as the Principal at McCosh Elementary School (known today as Emmett Till Math & Science Elementary) from 1988-2001. In addition to working for CPS, Dr. Eason-Watkins’ vast experience in education includes teaching in Highland Park, Michigan, near her hometown of Detroit. She has spent her entire 30-year professional career working with schools, students, teachers, parents, and community members to improve the quality of public education.

Dr. Eason-Watkins has obtained an extensive educational background, which has helped her in working towards providing the best education for the children of Chicago. 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. Dr. Eason-Watkins has received numerous awards for her continued commitment to education, and she is also a member of several distinguished organizations (see below for a complete list of awards and associations).

Awards include:

The Whitman Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership (1989)
CPS Principal of Excellence Award (1990 & 1995)
Phi Delta Kappa Educator of the Year (1995)
CPS Principal Leadership Award (1997)
Telly Award for the Virtual Pre-K Project (2002)
The Pastor’s Network Keeper of the Dream Award (2002)
Chicago Teachers College/Chicago State University Alumni Association Award Winner: Excellence in Education (2004)
Loyola University Chicago Founders’ Dinner Award Recipient: Damen Award (2004)
Tsunami Foundation Storm Award (2004)
Recognition as the Most Powerful Woman in Education by the Chicago Sun-Times (2004)
Co-Author of the Highly Successful Publication, “On Common Ground: The Power of Professional Learning Communities” (2005)
Kathy Osterman Award Winner: Outstanding Executive Employee (2007)
Niagara Peace & Dialogue Award Winner: Education Award (2008)