Jo Ann Wooden Roberts, PhD
Dr. Jo Ann Wooden Roberts is a highly accomplished educator, consultant, and community leader with a career spanning over four decades. She has held a wide range of roles, including Superintendent of Schools, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools, Intervention Officer, Principal, and Speech and Language Pathologist. Throughout her career, Dr. Roberts has been dedicated to improving academic outcomes, fostering leadership development, and strengthening the performance of schools and districts. Her innovative programs and instructional models have achieved national recognition and are now implemented worldwide.
Beyond her professional roles in education, Dr. Roberts has been a tireless advocate for her community. She has served on numerous boards, including United Way, Mercy Hospital, Thresholds, St. Mark’s School, and the Episcopal Church Foundation, while volunteering extensively to support scholarships, educational programs, and civic initiatives. She currently works with Illinois Senator Robert Peters to sponsor legislation expanding high school voter registration access. Her leadership and service reflect a lifelong commitment to equity, opportunity, and the advancement of underserved students.
Dr. Roberts holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration from Northwestern University and has pursued postdoctoral studies at Harvard University and the University of Southern California. She also holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Wayne State University. Recognized nationally for her work in school turnaround and early childhood programming, Dr. Roberts has been honored with awards such as the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and national Golden Apple recognition. Her career exemplifies a steadfast dedication to education, innovation, and community empowerment.
• Northwestern University - PhD
• National Golden Apple Recognition
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
• Association of School Administrators
• Episcopal Church Foundation
• Operation PUSH / Rainbow PUSH Coalition
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the discipline instilled in me through a military-family upbringing, a strong sense of persistence, and a commitment to academic excellence that earned me scholarships along the way. Most importantly, I credit my lifelong dedication to serving underserved students—holding them to high expectations while providing meaningful support—as a driving force behind my professional achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my mother: never let race be an excuse. Pursue what you truly want, and if you stumble along the way, get back up and learn from the experience.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: if you want it, go and get it. Stay disciplined, resilient, and confident in your abilities. Learn from setbacks and keep moving forward. Don’t let race or any barriers hold you back—pursue opportunities relentlessly, work hard, and always believe in the students you serve.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is closing the civic-engagement gap for minority students. Many face limited access to civics instruction and voter-registration resources, which can hinder their full participation. Additionally, navigating the politicization of education presents both a challenge and an opportunity to advocate for school improvement and equitable access to learning for all students.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are discipline, resilience, and a commitment to serving marginalized communities. I hold myself accountable in all that I do and maintain high expectations for the students I serve, believing that support combined with challenge creates meaningful growth.
Locations
J. Roberts and Associates
Chicago, IL 60601