Jo Ann Bludau
Superintendent, Sweethome ISD

Jo Ann grew up in the small town of Sweet Home, Texas. Following her high school graduation, she moved to College Station and took courses to become a teacher. She describes her college years as “stressful,” as she was required to work two jobs to help fund her education while attending classes. Her parents were unable to help her financially and she was determined to finish college! She worked hard and often studied into the late night or early morning hours. After becoming a teacher, Jo Ann continued her education; she obtained a Masters Degree in Education, Superintendent certification, and is now pursuing a doctoral degree in educational administration at Texas A&M. Jo Ann's education has allowed her to return home to Sweet Home, Texas where she serves as the Superintendent of the school district. She is a pioneer blazing the trail in establishing a learning community within her rural surrounding. Jo Ann and her students meet with Texas A&M university faculty and students using web cameras. Recently, a doctoral student, Olya Verkhohlyad from the Ukraine visited students about Ukrainian schools and culture. As a follow up, Olya and other graduate students meet with 7th and 8th graders to say hello and share stories using the web cameras. Jo Ann is just an example of the dedicated educators making a difference in rural education. Her work has been recognized by the Texas Education Agency with her nomination for superintendent of the year in 2003. She has received several honors for her exemplary leadership. For more information contact Jo Ann at jbludau@sweethomeisd.org and read about her learning community project in the recent Winter issue of Insight Journal. The article title is,” Improvement in a Small School Environment.”