I’m excited to share with
you my journey and
passion to help our students.
Education has the Power to Change Lives
My family’s journey from poverty to the middle class was due to the fact that my grandfather, Dr. E. Theodore Jones, was able to pursue educational opportunities. Our family had to take advantage of a very early form of Welfare. In order for them to able to receive food stuff such as beans, rice, and cheese, my grandfather and his brothers were required to have to load and unload trains.
It was grueling, back breaking work. And that is when he made a promise to himself that he would find a job where he did not have to lift anything heavier than a pencil. After my grandfather graduated from high school, he worked his way through college and received a donation from his fellow church members to continue his studies. He then worked his way through graduate school. He also earned a Doctor of Education degree, like I did.
After all of his efforts, he moved our family from poverty to the middle class in one single generation. We have stayed here ever since. That is the power of education, and it is something I believe we are in danger of losing for far to many of our children in Detroit. That is why I am stepping forward to lead now. Because I will never waver in ensuring that your child has the same opportunities that my grandfather had.
My grandfather Dr. E. Theodore Jones
My grandfather Dr. H. Rhett James with
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Theodore's Journey
Raised with a deep respect for education and community, Theodore pursued higher education with purpose, earning a degree from Hampton University, a Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University.
His journey wasn’t about titles, it was about gaining tools to understanding the systems shaping our children’s lives, remove barriers, and build real pathways to opportunity for our children.
Theodore’s experience as a teacher, school social worker, community organizer in three DPS schools, and former Legislative Director in the State House prepared him to contribute to improving Detroit Public Schools Community District between 2017 to 2023. During his six years as a district administrator in DPSCD, he helped strengthen policy, governance, and encourage innovation to improve student outcomes.
Theodore joined Global Detroit and to date has led two major programs for the nonprofit. First, Theodore led the organization’s talent programs that connected students in Detroit and around the state with workforce development and job opportunities, as well as recruited entrepreneurs from around the world to bring their startups here to Michigan. Now, he leads the Opportunity Neighborhoods program that builds community trust and opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods, offers small business development support for residents, and brings real opportunity into our neighborhoods.
A Leader Who Listens
Theodore has spent years working directly in Detroit neighborhoods: organizing, mentoring, and building partnerships.
That experience shaped how he leads.
He believes public office is not about a title. It’s about people. It’s about listening to parents concerned about schools. It’s about giving students a voice in their education so they reach their full potential. Listening is at the center of creating a loving and safe environment to learn. And creating a safe and supportive learning environment helps prepare our students to take advantage of every opportunity to go to college, start a career in the skilled trades, open a small business, or create the next startup that will change the world.
Detroit Public Schools Community District is made up of diverse, resilient, and hardworking families. Its time for leadership that reflects that same spirit and values.
HOME | ABOUT | IMPROVING EDUCATION | CONTACT | DONATE