Syed knows all students can overcome barriers

Thank you for supporting Syed, a principal in the Chicago area. Raised in a low-income community, Syed has seen how students from poverty and students of color can be overlooked; people make excuses for them or lower the bar. He has also seen students overcome those barriers, and he has dedicated his career to helping all students learn no matter the situation.

Prior to joining New Leaders, Syed taught fifth grade and middle school in a dual language program before serving as an assistant principal for New Field Primary School, a PK-3 grade school in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. 90 percent of Syed’s students met or exceeded state standards in mathematics.

Syed took the initiative to become a school leader after continually hearing his colleagues lament their administrators’ lack of understanding or support for their work. Syed says, “I want to help teachers be the most important person in the building, for students and the community.”

Thank you, Terry, for supporting Syed as he learns how to have a greater impact on his school and community through New Leaders!