She subsequently served as a classroom and resource teacher, principal, supervisor, assistant superintendent, and associate superintendent in the Baltimore County Public Schools. In 1989, Governor William Donald Schaefer appointed her Special Secretary for Children, Youth, and Families and, in 1991, the State Board of Education appointed her State Superintendent of Schools.
Following her initial position, she took on a series of leadership roles within the Baltimore County Public Schools, including classroom instructor, resource teacher, principal, supervisor, assistant superintendent, and associate superintendent. In 1989, Governor William Donald Schaefer designated her as Special Secretary for Children, Youth, and Families, and in 1991, the State Board of Education appointed her to serve as State Superintendent of Schools.