Dr. Tenia Pritchard is a distinguished educational leader with 27 years of experience in public education and an unwavering commitment to educational equity, instructional excellence, and student achievement. A proud product of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Dr. Pritchard is a graduate of Eastern Senior High School. Her journey from DCPS student to Instructional Superintendent reflects her deep-rooted commitment to the school system and the community that helped shape her.
Dr. Pritchard's professional journey is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for public education. Throughout her career in DCPS, she has progressed through the ranks, serving as a student, teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, and instructional superintendent. Her experiences at every level of school leadership have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing students, teachers, and school administrators.
In recognition of her exceptional leadership and contributions to public education, Dr. Pritchard is the recipient of the prestigious Rubenstein Award for Highly Effective School Leaders. She was also named the 2018 DC Public Schools Principal of the Year and was a finalist for the Washington Post Principal of the Year. These distinguished honors recognize her commitment to instructional excellence, outstanding school leadership, and dedication to improving educational outcomes for students.
Currently, as an Instructional Superintendent for DCPS Cluster III, Dr. Pritchard provides strategic leadership, instructional guidance, and direct support to school principals and leadership teams. She is passionate about developing effective instructional leaders, strengthening systems of accountability, and ensuring that every school provides students with rigorous, high-quality learning experiences. Her leadership emphasizes data-driven decision-making, instructional coaching, observation and feedback, professional learning, and the development of positive school cultures.
Dr. Pritchard is a lifelong learner whose academic accomplishments reflect her commitment to professional growth and educational leadership. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Maryland, College Park; a master's degree in teaching from Trinity Washington University; a master's degree in Executive Leadership from Georgetown University; and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Bowie State University. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her work in instructional improvement, organizational leadership, and educational transformation.
A passionate advocate for literacy and educational opportunities, Dr. Pritchard firmly believes that reading and writing proficiency are fundamental civil rights. She has dedicated her career to addressing educational inequities, closing opportunity gaps, and advocating for historically marginalized students. Her commitment extends beyond academic achievement to developing confident, capable, and empowered learners who are prepared for success in school and beyond.
As a leader who has experienced DCPS both as a student and as an educator at every level of school leadership, Dr. Pritchard brings a unique perspective to her work. She understands firsthand the transformative power of public education and remains committed to ensuring that every student has access to the opportunities, resources, and support necessary to succeed.
Guided by her leadership philosophy, “Start where you are, but don’t stay there,” Dr. Pritchard continues to inspire educators and school leaders to embrace continuous improvement, challenge the status quo, and pursue excellence. Her career embodies the belief that effective leadership is not simply about managing schools but about developing people, transforming systems, and creating lasting opportunities for generations of students.
View the full list of Instructional Superintendents and their assigned cluster of schools.