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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MSDWT Superintendent Appointed to the International Baccalaureate Heads Council
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (December 11, 2013) – Washington Township Superintendent Dr. Nikki Woodson has been appointed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization’s Director General, to serve as a member of the Heads Council. This is quite an honor as she is one of only three appointees from North America and Dr. Woodson is the only member representing American public schools.
In the appointment letter sent to Dr. Woodson, Director General Jeffery Beard wrote, “It is my pleasure to appoint you as a member of the Heads Council of the International Baccalaureate. The US has over 40% of the total international IB school market, and it’s important for me to have an educational leader from the US on my council to advise me on the impact IB programs have in US public schools. Your success in education and leadership has been both noteworthy and impressive to us in the IB.”
“The Heads Council is an elected body that advises and cooperates with the IB on matters of concern to IB schools with reference to educational philosophy, curriculum development, finance, and offers practical support to the IB whenever possible. In particular the Heads Council acts as an advisory body to the Director General. It is comprised of 12 elected members; four Heads from each of the three regions: Region 1 – Africa, Europe, Middle East, Region 2 -Asia Pacific and Region 3 – Americas.” International Baccalaureate Organization (http://www.ibo.org/dg/councils/).
This is not only an honor for Dr. Woodson, but also a wonderful recognition for Washington Township and the district wide deployment of IB. Washington Township is only one of few public school districts offering IB for all students in all schools.
Dr. Woodson states, “I am humbled and honored by this prestigious appointment. I also continue to be proud of the work staff and administrators are doing in Washington Township to deploy IB district wide. My participation on the IB Heads Council is certainly an honor, but I feel that I will gain IB knowledge, insight and networking through my volunteer service on the Heads Council that will benefit the district as well.”
More on IB in Washington Township at: http://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/?page_id=84
Washington Township successfully completed IB authorization for all 7 elementary schools in 2012 and just recently hosted the IB external review team to authorize all 4 secondary schools this past fall.
Dr. Nikki C. Woodson
Superintendent, MSD of Washington Township
Appointed May 2011, Nikki C. Woodson is the Superintendent of Schools for the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township. Washington Township is a K-12 public school district with over 11,000 students (67% students of color & 57% qualify for free/reduced lunch) and nearly 1,500 employees. Dr. Woodson is leading this district to be one of few nationwide to offer International Baccalaureate to all students in all schools within her district. The long legacy of achievement for students in Washington Township is a mark of a supportive community to achieve superior schools.
Dr. Woodson’s appointment as Superintendent made her the first African-American female Superintendent in Marion County and one of the youngest in the state of Indiana. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Woodson served in several areas in education including Teacher, Special Education Program Manager, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Communications, Director of Staff Development, Director of Continuous Improvement and Assistant Superintendent. All of her positions have been held in large urban public school districts in the Indianapolis area within Indiana.
Dr. Woodson has earned three post-secondary degrees from three universities: a Bachelor of Science (B.S. in Elementary & Special Education) from Ball State University; a Master of Arts (M.A. in Educational Administration) from Butler University; and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. in Educational Administration & Curriculum/Instruction) from Purdue University.
Among her numerous honors, Woodson was named The Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) from Ball State University as well as a distinguished Purdue University Fellow. She has been recognized by UNCF for her commitment to children and was named Indy’s Best & Brightest for recognition in the field of Education. In 2012 she was recognized as the “Breakthrough Woman of the Year” for breaking barriers in her field. Most recently, Dr. Woodson was given the state honor of International Educator of the Year by Global Indiana and recognized for her Achievement in Education by the Center for Leadership Development. Additionally, the American Association of School Administrators awarded her the 2013 Women in School Leadership Award as well as an honor from Ball State in 2013 for Outstanding Alumni Achievement. Active in the community, Woodson has served as a board member of the Benjamin Harrison Home, Young Audiences of Indiana and a national board member of Challenge Day. In 2013 she was appointed, as one of 3 leaders in North America, to serve on the elected membership of the International Baccalaureate Heads Council.
