Honoring Dr. Peterkin

In December we lost a true giant in the field of education and a beacon of equity and justice, Dr. Robert Peterkin. His tireless dedication to improving educational opportunities for all children, particularly those from underserved communities, has left an enduring impact on countless lives. 

During his 50-year career, Dr. Peterkin broke barriers as Boston’s first Black public school headmaster, led superintendencies in Cambridge, MA, and Milwaukee, WI, and championed innovative programs like school-level decision making, a bilingual school, and alternative schools. As Director of Harvard’s Urban Superintendents Program, he mentored a generation of diverse educational leaders working towards superintendency, focusing on equity, leadership, and systemic reform. Dr. Peterkin was not just a brilliant leader; he was a compassionate mentor and advocate who inspired generations of educators with his wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice in education. His vision for education was bold, transformative, and deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.

For our organization, Dr. Peterkin was a guiding force, shaping our mission and reminding us of the profound responsibility we have to ensure every child is seen, supported, and empowered. His contributions as a long-term BellXcel Board Member were foundational; contributions that will continue to influence our work for years to come. 

Dr. Peterkin is the namesake for our annual employee of the year award, the Peterkin Award. Every year, the Peterkin Award is given to a BellXcel team member, nominated by their peers, who exemplifies the BellXcel core values: innovation, responsibility, collaboration, inclusiveness, results, commitment to our mission.

As we reflect on Dr. Peterkin’s life, we are reminded that his passion, wisdom, and courage live on in the educators, students, and communities impacted by BellXcel. His legacy endures.