Throughout Jesse’s career, he has worked on advancing educational equity at the early childhood, K-12, workforce development, higher education, non-profit, state, and federal levels. Jesse was formerly the special assistant to the superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools where he managed federal grant programs, charter sponsorship, and launched the strategic planning process that led to the District’s re-accreditation. He also spent four years in East St. Louis where he oversaw educational programming for 2,500 students year-round – including a 1,500-student Head Start program where he initiated a two-generational education strategy leading to hundreds of Head Start parents being prepared and employed in family-sustaining wage careers. As an education policy consultant to states, districts, and schools, Jesse directed the launch and management of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Office of District and School Turnaround, a national model for how states can successfully intervene in chronically underperforming school districts. Jesse earned his master’s in Education Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

 

Email Jesse: jdixon@theopportunitytrust.org