Tulsa Kerri E. O’Brien: A Visionary Leader in the Education Field

Tulsa Kerri E. O’Brien is a renowned education leader who has dedicated her career to improving the experiences and outcomes of students and educators. Through her tireless efforts, she has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire education community.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, O’Brien developed a passion for education at a young age. After graduating from high school, she pursued a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma, where she excelled academically.

Upon graduation, O’Brien embarked on her teaching career, serving as a classroom teacher in underprivileged communities. She witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds and became determined to find ways to empower them to succeed.

Inspired by her experiences as a teacher, O’Brien pursued a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from Harvard University. This prestigious degree equipped her with the knowledge and skills to become a transformative leader in the education field.

In 2015, O’Brien was appointed as Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma’s second-largest school district. She immediately initiated a comprehensive plan to improve student achievement, reduce the achievement gap, and enhance teacher support.

Under O’Brien’s leadership, Tulsa Public Schools has implemented several innovative initiatives to foster student growth:

Pre-K Expansion:

Recognizing the importance of early childhood education, O’Brien expanded access to pre-kindergarten programs for all 4-year-olds in Tulsa. This initiative has shown promising results in improving literacy and math skills among kindergarten students.

Teacher Professional Development:

O’Brien places a high priority on supporting teachers’ professional growth. She established the Tulsa Teacher Excellence Program, which provides teachers with access to ongoing training, coaching, and mentorship. This program has led to increased teacher satisfaction and retention rates.

Community Partnerships:

O’Brien believes that strong community partnerships are essential for student success. She has forged partnerships with businesses, non-profit organizations, and community leaders to provide wraparound services and support for Tulsa Public Schools students.

O’Brien’s exceptional leadership has earned her numerous awards and recognitions:

2019 National Superintendent of the Year:

The American Association of School Administrators named O’Brien as the 2019 National Superintendent of the Year, honoring her transformative work in Tulsa Public Schools.

2020 Oklahoma Woman of the Year:

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women recognized O’Brien as the 2020 Oklahoma Woman of the Year for her contributions to the field of education and her advocacy for all students.

O’Brien’s impact on education extends beyond Tulsa Public Schools. She has become a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing her insights and best practices with educators and policymakers nationwide.

She is a member of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and serves on the board of trustees for several educational organizations.

O’Brien’s vision for the future of education is centered on equity and innovation. She believes that all students deserve the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.

She is committed to continuing her work to improve access to quality education, empower teachers, and create a brighter future for all students.

Tulsa Kerri E. O’Brien is a true champion for education. Her unwavering dedication, innovative leadership, and passion for improving the lives of students have made a profound impact on the education field. As she continues her transformative journey, O’Brien will undoubtedly inspire and empower future generations of educators and students alike.

• Under O’Brien’s leadership, Tulsa Public Schools has seen an increase in graduation rates from 67% to 90%.
• The district has also reduced the achievement gap between minority students and their white peers.
• O’Brien has secured over $150 million in grants for Tulsa Public Schools to support innovative programs and initiatives.
• The district has received national recognition for its successful implementation of personalized learning and early childhood education programs.