Featured Alumni

MARIA GOODLOE-JOHNSON

The Broad Superintendents Academy Class of 2003
Deputy Chancellor for Instructional Support
Education Achievement System

"I believe that in order to be a successful superintendent, you must not fear challenge or change—you must have the courage and strength to advocate for equity and excellence for all children. To be a successful urban superintendent, you must be intolerant of excuses for why ‘those children’ can't learn."

Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson is Deputy Chancellor, Instructional Support and Educational Accountability and with the newly formed Education Achievement System in Michigan will support 38 schools in its first year and expand to include low-performing schools throughout Michigan. Previously, Goodloe-Johnson was appointed superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, the largest school district in Washington with 45,800 students in 97 schools. As superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, Goodloe-Johnson's accomplishments include: increasing enrollment by 300-400 students per year for two consecutive years; strengthening and aligning the district's math and science curriculum; developing a school improvement framework based on the needs of each school in the district; offering Advanced Placement courses in at least four subjects at every high school; and expanding music, art, and advanced learning programs. Previously, Goodloe-Johnson served as superintendent of the Charleston County Public Schools, the largest urban district in South Carolina. She was the first woman and the first African-American to serve in this position. Goodloe-Johnson began her career teaching special education, as well as coaching soccer and cross-country, in Aurora Public Schools in Colorado. Goodloe-Johnson has also held positions as an assistant principal and principal in Boulder, Colorado. She was the director of secondary instruction for the St. Vrain, Colorado school district before joining the Corpus Christi Independent School District in Texas as an assistant superintendent. Goodloe-Johnson is the recipient of the 2000 Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Goodloe-Johnson has a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, a master’s from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley, and a doctorate in education administration from the University of Colorado at Denver.  Goodloe-Johnson is a graduate of the 2003 class of The Broad Superintendents Academy.