tmichelle (dot) colson (at) dc (dot) gov
T. Michelle Colson is a dedicated educator, advocate, and third-generation Washingtonian committed to ensuring all D.C. students receive equitable access to high-quality education. As the first Ward 4 native, DCPS graduate, and DCPS employee to serve on the D.C. State Board of Education, Dr. Colson profoundly understands the challenges and opportunities within the District’s schools.
With a doctorate in Education Policy from Howard University, Dr. Colson has spent her career advancing student success, particularly for those furthest from opportunity. Dr. Colson currently serves as Dean of Students at a D.C. Public School, where she has implemented transformative initiatives, including Wash Wednesday, which provides students with access to laundry facilities, and specialized workshop series to support students’ sense of belonging. Her leadership in creating a targeted intervention academy for 10th-grade students has helped many failing students get back on track toward graduation.
Dr. Colson’s journey—rooted in lived experience, policy expertise, and a lifelong commitment to public service—drives her work on the D.C. State Board of Education. She is focused on strengthening academic and post-secondary opportunities, advocating for student-centered policies, and ensuring every student in Washington, D.C., can thrive.