Robert S. Peterkin
Director, Urban Superintendents Program
and Francis Keppel Professor on
Educational Policy and Administration,
Harvard Graduate School of Education

As a dedicated steward of education, Dr. Robert S. Peterkin has gained a reputation as one of the nation’s leading advocates for urban education. His 35-year career began as a special education teacher, followed by administrative positions in the Boston Public Schools. He also served as superintendent of both Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, public schools. In 1991, Dr. Peterkin was appointed director of the Urban Superintendents Program at Harvard with a mission to help future superintendents in urban schools elevate their political, managerial, and educational leadership skills and drive qualitative change for teachers and learners. Dr. Peterkin has written and lectured on equitable school choice, school governance, the achievement gap, and the impact of school reform on the achievement of African-American children. He also has a distinguished record of community leadership and service through his work on numerous boards and commissions. His vast education experience makes Dr. Peterkin a valued contributor to the PLATO Learning board of directors.