Antoinette Mitchell, PhD., Assistant Superintendent
Division: Postsecondary and Career Education
Joined OSSE: September 2011
Hometown: Washington DC
Education: Wilson High School, Columbia University, University of California Berkley
Must read books:
- The Souls of Black Folk, W.E.B Du Bois
- The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson
- Einstein’s Dreams, Alan Lightman
What brought you back to DC?
I am a proud native Washingtonian. After graduating from Columbia University I came back home to teach Social Studies at Hine Jr. High School, and my time in the classroom confirmed that education is one of the best ways that we can lift people out of poverty and this inspired me to continue my studies in education. I have always wanted to return to the government to have a larger scale impact on education-I want to develop support systems that enable DC students to have more access to and ultimately, complete post-secondary education. Needless to say, when the opportunity to be the Assistant Superintendent of the Division of Post Secondary and Career Education presented itself, I knew it was my time to return to government to make this impact with OSSE.
What do you wish you knew before joining OSSE?
When I arrived at OSSE, I wasn’t ready for the bureaucracy of the government. Things work very different in government-the timelines and processes are much different in government than in the private sector and non-profit sector. It was a steep learning curve, but I learned to navigate the organization and work within the bureaucracy.
What is most rewarding about your work at OSSE?
I have fallen in love with the people I work with, they have so much passion and commitment to helping District residents thrive. I love that I have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated group of people-every day we roll up our sleeves to get the work done and be the change we want to see in education.
What is a typical day like outside of work for you?
Any given weekend, I get up, go play some tennis, do some chores, and visit my mother. Later in the day, I’ll do a couple hours of reading then I’m on a search for an amazing restaurant to go to. I love ethnic food, Thai is my favorite, but I love a good Mexican or Ethiopian restaurant too.
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