Dr. Ericka Patterson is a distinguished educational leader with over three decades of experience spanning classroom instruction, school administration, and district-level leadership. She has built a career dedicated to advancing student achievement, fostering teacher leadership, and promoting innovative educational practices. Currently serving as the Associate Superintendent for Park Forest – Chicago Heights School District 163, Dr. Patterson has been slated to serve as the Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 Superintendent of Schools, effective May 1, 2025.
Dr. Patterson earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Roosevelt University in 2015, following a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Governors State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Complementing these achievements are certifications from the Harvard Institute for Higher Education (2016) and the Professional Human Capital Leader in Education (2020). In addition, Dr. Ericka Patterson holds a Superintendent certification, along with endorsements in Language Arts, Social Science, and as a Principal and Teacher Evaluator.
Dr. Patterson began her career as a classroom teacher, gaining invaluable insights into effective instruction and student engagement. This foundation led to successive roles as a teacher, principal, and administrator across various districts, including Urbana, Mequon-Thiensville, Matteson School District, and South Holland School District. Notably, Dr. Ericka Patterson has served in several key positions within the Park Forest – Chicago Heights School District 163 —from Principal of multiple schools (ranging from early childhood through grade 8) and Director of Reading to Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, before transitioning into the role of Associate Superintendent in August, 2018. Throughout the term of her Principalship, her school was recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as a Spotlight School and Best Schools by Chicago Magazine.
Dr. Patterson recently stated, “The Southland area and District 163 hold a special place in my heart because of the incredible students, parents, and staff that I have had the honor to work with over the past twenty-two years. Their dedication, resilience, and passion have shaped my journey, and I am committed to ensuring that each student has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and fulfill their highest dream.”