Jala Olds-Pearson

Dr. Jala Olds-Pearson serves as Chief Academic Officer of Pittsburgh Public Schools. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, attended Pittsburgh Public Schools during her elementary/middle school years, and graduated from Penn Hills High School in Penn Hills Township. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Saint Joseph's University, and a Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Olds-Pearson is a former assistant superintendent and principal with extensive experience in curriculum development, organizational leadership, and educational leadership at the school, district, and state levels. In addition, she has been a Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership (PIL) facilitator for over ten years.

Her professional interests and passions derive from a belief that children can reach their highest potential when the educators who serve them have the essential resources, skills, and determination to implement relevant research and evidence-based practices.