Dr. Anitra (Bolden) Crockett, Walther Class of 1995, is the Associate Superintendent of Schools in Bourbonnais, Illinois. After graduating from Walther, she attended Northern Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies. She later completed her Master of Social Work degree at Aurora University, with a concentration in School Social Work.

Anitra began her career in education in District 89, which serves Maywood, Melrose Park, and Broadview. During her 12 years in District 89, Anitra served as a social worker and special education supervisor and, after earning a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership, became an Assistant Principal at Irving Elementary School. She then moved to Proviso Area for Exceptional Children (PAEC), where she served as Special Education Supervisor for 6 years.  

In 2009, Anitra entered the doctoral program at Chicago State University, where she earned an EdD in Educational Leadership – Superintendency. Dr. Crockett moved to Bourbonnais District 53 in 2019, where she became the Director of Student Services, overseeing the district’s special education, residential, and early childhood education programs for 2,300 students. Under her leadership, the program for students with severe autism or severe health and ambulatory conditions has grown from 3 to 7 classrooms and has become the model program in that area. Dr. Crockett was recently promoted to Associate Superintendent, adding board negotiations and some HR duties to her job responsibilities. 

Anitra is also committed to preparing high-quality educators and supporting inclusive practices in schools. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at National Louis University (NLU), where she teaches Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities, a foundational course for graduate students in the College of Education. In this role, Anitra blends practical district-level experience with research-based instructional methods to equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to support diverse learners.

In addition to teaching at NLU, Anitra serves on the university’s Teacher Preparation Advisory Board. As part of this advisory group, she offers guidance to specific programs within the College of Education and contributes insights on essential issues in teacher preparation.

“I didn’t think, 25 years ago, that I would be in this kind of a role. But, I knew that I wanted to effect change,” shared Dr. Crockett. “I recall in high school having Dr. Dawkins come to our classroom. We did a career assessment, and my results pointed towards the helping professions. I have always had a heart for people. Growing up in the church, I see this as my life’s calling.”

“Of all the classes I took at Walther, I would say Algebra 2 with Mr. Koehne has helped me the most. I learned I could do math and loved it. I also realized math could support the work I wanted to do. It prepared me well for my BS, MSW, and EdD programs, and I feel confident now while writing grant proposals, creating budgets, and reading expenditure reports.”

While at Walther, Anitra was part of the cheerleading team for football and basketball, and ran track in the spring. She was also part of the Gospel Choir. Her favorite memories include lunch with friends and attending cheer camp with Ms. Opel. Her favorite class was US History with Mr. Korntheuer. It is the reason she visited Pearl Harbor with her daughters on a recent vacation. 

Most of all, Anitra appreciated the Walther community. “It was just big enough that I didn’t know everyone, but small enough to feel a sense of belonging,” Anitra explained. “Whichever club or sport I tried, I felt accepted. I knew my teachers, and they knew our family. For several years my dad recalled talking with Mr. Schultz in the bleachers at a football game. That kind of community meant so much to my family. I enjoyed walking around the school at our recent reunion and connecting with classmates, some I had not seen since graduation. If we lived closer, I would definitely send my daughters to Walther.”