Senator Jo Anna Dossett is a parent, a former public educator, and a born Oklahoman. The daughter of two retired Oklahoma public educators, Dossett holds a Bachelor's degree from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri; and a Master's degree from Oklahoma State University. Although college and a two-year tour of service in the United States Peace Corps took her from Oklahoma for a time, returning to establish a career, home, and family in the Tulsa area was always her greatest desire.
She certainly achieved it: as an Oklahoma public educator, Dossett devoted 15 years to the education of English Learners throughout the Tulsa area. Whether teaching youngsters by day or adults in the evening, Dossett’s passion for equipping students with the language tools they need for personal success became her trademark. During those 15 years, Dossett was named a school district teacher of the year, while also maintaining high levels of engagement and leadership positions in her local education foundation, and in her local and state teacher associations.
Whether serving on a local school bond committee, mentoring early career teachers, lobbying legislators on behalf of her students and colleagues, or serving on the Senate Education Committee, Dossett’s energy toward the betterment of public education in the State of Oklahoma is seemingly limitless.
Dossett lives in the heart of Senate District 35 and is the doting mother of two children: Dora and Hugh. The family is active at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Senator Dossett was elected in 2020 to represent District 35 in the heart of Tulsa. She currently serves on the following Senate committees:
- Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding
- Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding - Economic Development and Workforce Working Group
- Natural Resources and Regulatory Services
- Education
- Energy and Telecommunications
- Veterans and Military Affairs
- Tourism and Wildlife