Page 5 - IWProgram2020

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 college and career preparation 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 Elementary) and in Science,

Technology, Engineering and Math (at Lake Hills Elementary). She has also focused on
creating programs for gifted and talented students, expanding dual credit and

Advanced Placement opportunities for high school students, and establishing themes at
middle schools in STEM and Environmental Science. Two of the district’s schools (Lake Hills
Elementary and Barker Middle School) are Indiana-certified STEM schools.

Dr. Eason-Watkins is committed to working collaboratively with partners in higher education,
business, and industry to realign programs and curricula to support students and to meet
workforce needs. Among the initiatives she has launched for Michigan City Area Schools are
an Early College Program, the Compressed Air Academy, and a comprehensive K-12 “one-

to-one” technology program that provides Chromebooks for all students. Under her
leadership, the district has received several awards, including Advanced Placement (AP-TIP
IN) School of the Year and an Indiana Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

honoring the district’s innovative solar installations.

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
later served as U.S. Secretary of Education. As the lead curriculum and instruction strategist
for the nation’s third-largest school district, Dr. Eason-Watkins led efforts to reform policies
and institute key instructional initiatives.

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.