Meet Dr. Ebony Johnson: Inspiring Excellence and Resilience in Tulsa Public Schools

In the world of education, there are leaders who inspire, uplift and transform the lives of students, parents and teachers. Dr. Ebony Johnson, the interim superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools (TPS), is a leader whose journey ranges from being a young student in Tulsa to an educator and now an interim superintendent tasked with steering the district out of the recent threat of a state takeover.

Initially, Dr. Johnson dreamt of a career in broadcast journalism, inspired by Kim Graham, a KOTV News on 6 anchor who served as her mentor through a program supported by her high school teacher, Ann Burcham, at McLain High School. Mrs. Burcham recognized Dr. Johnson’s interest in broadcast journalism and, knowing the importance of mentorship, brought in Kim Graham. This act of guidance provided Dr. Johnson with an opportunity to explore her interests and understand the world of journalism. While she admired Graham’s intelligence and professionalism, Dr. Johnson ultimately found her calling in education.

As Dr. Johnson continued to climb the educational ladder, she committed to making a difference in students’ lives. Her journey took her from teaching to principalship, to being the Student Support Services executive director, and the chief learning officer of TPS, where she played a pivotal role in developing curriculum, focusing on students’ mental and physical health, and expanding multilingual programs. Her impact was felt in the classroom and the broader community, where she supported refugee families and students in their transition to TPS.

Today, as the interim superintendent of one of the largest school districts in Oklahoma, Dr. Johnson has set her sights on three core goals: being responsive, results-oriented and resilient. They are the three Rs that drive her leadership.

Responsive:

Dr. Johnson emphasized the importance of responsiveness to the immediate needs of students.

“We have students in our buildings who need us daily,” she said. “It’s important that we don’t let a day go by where we’re not doing everything we can to get our students where they are capable of going and giving them a quality education, giving them the rigor and expectation of greatness.”

She understands that every day counts and is dedicated to providing students with a quality education, exposure to post-secondary opportunities, and a strong foundation in elementary school. She recognizes the importance of meeting the expectations that State Superintendent Ryan Walters set for the district, which include a corrective action plan for struggling schools’ professional development for the science of reading and strengthened internal controls.

Dr. Johnson’s appreciation for the importance of responsiveness in education is rooted in her own experiences as a student.

“I had teachers who knew at the beginning of my earlier years that I struggled, and from that, I had teachers who knew how to pick me up, and get me on grade level and then beyond to the next level,” she said.

Teachers like Mrs. Bernardy and Mrs. Wayne at Walt Whitman Elementary School significantly influenced Dr. Johnson’s educational journey. They invested their time and efforts to ensure she not only became a proficient reader but also developed strong comprehension skills. Her personal experiences underscore the vital role teachers play in identifying and addressing students’ needs early on and providing them with the foundation to excel. This perspective informs her commitment to being responsive to students’ needs as she leads TPS.

Results-Oriented:

Dr. Johnson believes in using data to drive decision-making. She and her team are committed to using data to address learning gaps, offer students more opportunities and to ensure that students are prepared for success beyond high school.

Dr. Johnson’s journey through education has always been marked by her unwavering commitment to achieving tangible results.

“Even when I was teaching,” she said, “I knew I had wondered about how the whole system worked. I knew I had to get a master’s degree to do more. I’m determined to see growth in students, and I aspire to get them to places they have never been before because that’s my life; I am ‘walking resilience.’”

This determination led her to drive positive change as a principal, where she spearheaded transformative efforts in schools that needed improvement with the support of her dedicated team. As the Student Support Services executive director, Johnson played a pivotal role in reducing school suspensions by 27 percent, focusing on addressing chronic absenteeism.

Resilience:

Dr. Johnson is determined to rewrite the narrative surrounding TPS. She believes in the greatness of the district and its students. With her leadership, she aims to showcase the remarkable achievements of TPS alums who are making a difference worldwide. She wants the community to be proud of TPS and its students.

“Coming from a strong mother who didn’t take excuses for going to school and doing well, coupled with my extensive experience in education, I think I am in a position to drive positive change and overcome challenges,” she said.

In facing challenges and uncertainty, Dr. Johnson remains steadfast in her commitment to students’ success. She reminds us that amidst the variables of politics and change, it is essential to preserve a dedication to the needs and education of children. Dr. Johnson believes in the incredible potential of TPS students.

“Our students’ success is the constant,” she said. “That hasn’t changed, and as long as we continue to pour into our young people every single day, ensuring they get all the resources they need and have endless opportunities to be great, we will understand that all of the other things are variables. As long as we keep that constant what it is, the variables will be what they are.”

Dr. Ebony Johnson hopes to be a leader who embodies a spirit of resilience and determination. Her own background as a TPS student, teacher and administrator gives her a historical memory of TPS’s past, while creating a vision to guide the district through the current challenges it is facing into a future focused on providing all children an opportunity to reach their potential.

Dr. Tamecca Rogers is Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Tulsa Technology Center. She is a writer and mom to three boys who love adventures.