In this episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, Dr. Deborah Wortham shares her remarkable journey from a determined student in Chicago to a transformative leader in education. With heartfelt stories and powerful insights, Dr. Wortham discusses the importance of belief, resilience, and intentional leadership. Her experiences as a superintendent and educator highlight the impact of creating systems of belief and fostering a growth mindset.
Her STORY
Dr. Deborah L. Wortham is an educator, best-selling co-author, elder, professor, and nationally recognized lecture circuit presenter. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Wortham is prepared spiritually and educationally. She is the former Superintendent of the School District of the City of York in York, Pennsylvania, and the Steelton-Highspire School District in Steelton, Pennsylvania. She was the first locally elected Superintendent of the Roosevelt Union Free School District in eleven years. During her tenure, the District moved from "State Takeover" to "Good Standing." Dr. Wortham served as the First African-American Female Superintendent of the East Ramapo Central School District in Spring Valley, New York, where all 12 K-8 schools reached "Good Standing." Still fond of the Roosevelt Union Free School District; currently, Dr. Wortham serves as the Superintendent in charge of "Resetting Roosevelt!"
Her credentials include a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a Master's Degree in Reading from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland; and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.Dr. Wortham has been married for 50 years to Rev. Chester H. Wortham, Jr. She and her husband work together in ministry locally and abroad. They have led marriage and leadership development seminars at various conferences. Dr. Wortham and her husband have two children, Dr. Shelley and Min. Chester, III; one son-in-law, Sheldon; one daughter-in-law, Marquita; one granddaughter, Jordynn Lynn; and four grandsons, Chester, IV, Sheldon, Jr., Zachary, and Ethan.
Dr. Wortham was licensed and certified as a Minister by the Board of Examiners, and in 2011 she was ordained as an Elder at the Higher Dimensions Christian Center in Baltimore, MD. "To God Be the Glory, for the Great things He has Done!" If you would like to contact Dr. Wortham, you can reach her through her website: www.drdeborahlwortham.com
