“To create urban schools which really teach students, which reflect the pluralism of society, which serve the quest for social justice — this is a task which will take persistent imagination, wisdom, and will.” – Tyack, 1974

Theresa Morateck stands as a transformational leader in American public education, with over 25 years of impact spanning classroom instruction, district administration, and executive-level strategy. Her professional journey is grounded in a deep commitment to educational equity and academic excellence, shaped by experience across urban and diverse school systems in Wisconsin. Throughout her distinguished career, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to closing achievement gaps, empowering school communities, and advancing student-centered learning initiatives.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of Teaching, Learning & Equity for the School District of Beloit, Theresa leads systemic academic planning for over 6,000 students across K–12. In this role, she oversees all aspects of instructional design, curriculum renewal, educator evaluation, and grant-funded programming. Her leadership extends to supervising districtwide academic and operational priorities, including virtual learning, multilingual programs, summer school, advanced coursework, and interventions through Multi-Level Systems of Support (MLSS). A trusted advisor to the Superintendent, Theresa plays an integral role in guiding strategic decisions at the cabinet level.

Before her tenure in Beloit, Theresa served as the Director of K–12 Literacy & Humanities in the Madison Metropolitan School District, where she drove major district literacy initiatives and led teams in developing high-quality instructional materials. She was selected as a participant and trainer for UnBoundEd and served as a grant lead for state-level literacy innovation. Her leadership in Madison reflected a sharp acumen for instructional systems design and a collaborative approach to building teacher capacity through evidence-based practices.

Theresa’s leadership foundation was built during her 18-year journey with Milwaukee Public Schools, where she progressed through key roles including Regional Student Performance Coordinator, School Support Teacher, and Regional School Operations Manager. In each capacity, she facilitated transformational change by integrating data-driven practices with authentic community engagement. Her work included leading school improvement plans, coordinating professional development, and managing school climate and operations for over 30 schools. Her collaborative work on the district’s Equity Commission and Professional Development Design Team laid important groundwork for more inclusive, student-focused policies.

As an educator, Theresa taught grades 2 through 8 in various instructional models including inclusion and multi-age classrooms. These early experiences helped her develop a well-rounded understanding of differentiated instruction, formative assessment, and child development. Her passion for literacy and content-area integration led to her involvement in numerous state-level initiatives and grant-funded projects focused on disciplinary literacy and inquiry writing. Her teaching background continues to inform her leadership philosophy: that great systems begin with great classroom practice.

In addition to her administrative leadership, Theresa is an accomplished speaker and thought leader. She has presented at national conferences such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and has contributed to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI) webinar series on formative literacy assessment. Her work was featured in the “Excellence for All” task force—an initiative by DPI to close statewide achievement gaps—and she was instrumental in creating teacher-friendly resources to support this goal. Her perspective reflects both policy acumen and pedagogical fluency, which together allow her to drive high-impact innovation.

Theresa’s educational journey is as impressive as her career achievements. She holds two master’s degrees, one in Curriculum and Instruction and another in Educational Policy and Leadership. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) at Marquette University, with her doctoral work centered on educational policy and equity. She also holds multiple state certifications, including Principal and Director of Instruction licenses. Her academic preparation reflects her lifelong commitment to learning and her belief in the power of knowledge to change lives.

Beyond her formal roles, Theresa is deeply engaged in the broader educational and civic community. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club, where she advocates for out-of-school learning and youth development. She is an active member of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), and frequently mentors emerging leaders in the field. Her service extends not just to systems and institutions, but to individuals—teachers, students, and families—who benefit directly from her wisdom and generosity.

Theresa is motivated by a mission to uplift underserved communities and help schools become engines of justice, opportunity, and joy. Her leadership is values-driven, equity-centered, and rooted in a deep respect for the humanity of every learner. She is known for her ability to listen deeply, act decisively, and build trusting relationships that lead to sustained impact. Whether designing a districtwide curriculum, mentoring a new principal, or presenting at a national conference, Theresa brings both heart and strategy to everything she does.

As she looks toward new professional horizons—including service on corporate, nonprofit, or educational boards—Theresa brings a rare combination of hands-on expertise, visionary thinking, and principled leadership. Her experience as both a practitioner and policymaker gives her a 360-degree view of educational ecosystems, making her an invaluable contributor to any strategic governance or advisory body. She seeks opportunities where she can continue learning, leading, and giving back—especially in contexts that align with her belief in innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility.

Character:
Theresa exemplifies integrity, compassion, and a tireless commitment to equity in every aspect of her work. Her colleagues consistently describe her as a leader who brings wisdom and humility to complex challenges.

Knowledge:
With over two decades of experience and advanced academic training, Theresa brings deep content expertise in curriculum, leadership, and systems transformation. Her insights are rooted in both lived practice and scholarly research.

Strategic:
Theresa is a forward-thinking strategist who can align vision with execution, leveraging data, relationships, and systems thinking to achieve sustainable outcomes. She has successfully led multi-million-dollar initiatives and complex districtwide reforms with measurable success.

Communication:
A powerful communicator and active listener, Theresa is equally effective in boardrooms, classrooms, and community forums. She builds consensus through transparency, empathy, and a clear articulation of goals and values.