On May 6, the Council of the District of Columbia unanimously confirmed Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell as State Superintendent for the District of Columbia.
With more than two decades of experience in education policy and leadership, Dr. Mitchell has been instrumental in advancing OSSE’s mission to ensure that every DC student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in school and in life. As Interim and Acting State Superintendent, she led the successful launch of the 2024-25 school year, which saw record enrollment, improved student attendance and increased graduation rates.
“It is both an honor and a profound responsibility to serve as State Superintendent in the city where I was born, raised and educated. I am thankful to Mayor Muriel Bower for the nomination and to the DC Council for my confirmation to the position,” said Superintendent Dr. Mitchell. “The excellent education I received in DC Public Schools prepared me well for the rigors of college, a career in education and ultimately for this role. I am committed to ensuring that students in our classrooms today have access to the same high-quality learning opportunities that shaped my life.”
State Superintendent Dr. Mitchell was born at DC’s Freedman’s Hospital (now Howard University Hospital), grew up in Mt. Pleasant, graduated from Wilson High School (now Jackson-Reed). Dr. Mitchell served as interim state superintendent since June 2024 and as acting state superintendent since March 2025.
“Dr. Mitchell’s deep roots in the District make her an outstanding choice for State Superintendent,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn. “I look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to support all students in DC.”
Dr. Mitchell joined OSSE in 2011 as assistant superintendent of Postsecondary and Career Education. In that role she oversaw college readiness through dual enrollment and internship programs; financial assistance through the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG), Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program and DC Futures; adult literacy and youth reengagement; and career and technical education through programs like career academies and the Advanced Technical Center (ATC).
“Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of experience and a collaborative spirit to the role of State Superintendent,” said DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “Her leadership will be instrumental as we strive to provide every student with the tools they need to succeed. I am excited to continue our work together. Congratulations Dr. Mitchell!"
As interim state superintendent, Dr. Mitchell led preparations for the 2024-25 school year, prioritizing student transportation, special education guidance and school safety; the rollout of academic standards for social studies, financial literacy, and social and emotional learning, as well as literacy implementation and high-impact tutoring; and modernizing data connections for course data collection, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund closeout, attendance and immunizations.
“Dr. Mitchell is a dedicated leader whose deep roots in and commitment to the District of Columbia is an inspiration,” said Public Charter School Board Executive Director Dr. Michell Walker-Davis. “We at the Public Charter School Board are eager to continue our collaboration to ensure all our students have access to high-quality educational opportunities.”
Before joining OSSE, Dr. Mitchell served as dean of the School of Education at Trinity Washington University, as the vice president for unit accreditation with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and research associate in the Education Policy Center at the Urban Institute, a non-profit research group in Washington, DC.
She began her career as a secondary social studies teacher at Hine Jr. High School. Dr. Mitchell currently serves as a DC College Access Program board member, a member of the DC Workforce Investment Council and commissioner on the DC Serve Board.
Dr. Mitchell holds a doctorate and master’s degree in education from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Columbia College, Columbia University. She is a former Holmes Group Scholar and Institute for Educational Leadership Fellow.
For more information about Dr. Mitchell and OSSE leadership, visit OSSE’s website.