Gwendolyn M. Payton is the Instructional Superintendent for Cluster 1. Ms. Payton is a passionate educational leader with a deep commitment to educational equity, academic excellence, and the development of students as responsible, engaged citizens. Throughout her career with DC Public Schools (DCPS), Ms. Payton has served in a variety of roles, including elementary school teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Instructional Superintendent. During her 17-year tenure as a principal, she led continuous improvement efforts focused on increasing student achievement, strengthening instructional practices, fostering a positive school culture, and building authentic partnerships with families and community stakeholders. 

As Instructional Superintendent for Cluster 1, she provides strategic leadership and coaching to school leaders, advancing instructional excellence, strengthening leadership capacity, and improving student outcomes.  

Ms. Payton holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from York College in Jamaica, New York; a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of the District of Columbia; a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Trinity University in Washington, DC; and an Executive Master’s in Leadership from Georgetown University.

View the full list of Instructional Superintendents and their assigned cluster of schools.