I WANT TO BE

About the Author

Dr. Shawn Rux was born and raised in Harrisburg, PA. Being surrounded by crime and drugs and seeing first- hand the consequences associated with that life style, he realized at a very early age the importance of education. Dr. Rux knew that his focus on athletics and education would be his ticket to a better life filled with opportunities for success. After graduating with honors from Harrisburg High School in 1993, he was the first in his family to attend college. While playing baseball at Delaware State University, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Dr. Rux continued his post graduate studies by earning a Master's degree in Elementary Education at Lehman College in New York City, earning a second Master's degree in Administration and Supervision from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, and completed his terminal degree in Educational Leadership at Concordia University of Chicago in 2019. Dr. Rux began his educational career as a teacher, at IS 151, located in the South Bronx, which at that time, was identified as one of the worst performing schools in New York City. He worked there for nine years as a teacher, grade advisor, and assistant principal. Through his relentless efforts to close the achievement gap, he was very instrumental in transforming IS 151 from the lowest performing middle school in NY City to the one of the highest performing middle schools in the South Bronx.

Dr. Rux continued his transformational leadership in Far Rockaway, Queens, where he served as a principal for five years. At MS 53, Dr. Rux worked diligently to develop a team of leader learners who were committed to providing all students with a quality education. Through his leadership, he significantly raised student attendance from 85% to over 92%, decreased student suspensions by over 400%, as well as increasing English Language Arts and Math State exam scores. In addition to that, Dr. Rux, had his school removed from the Persistently Dangerous School list and removed from Receivership status over the course of one year. Dr. Rux is also accredited for implementing a full Performing Arts Program, his students publishing two books of original poetry, and produced five original music CD's.

Dr. Rux's relentless work efforts have been featured in countless magazines, newspapers, and media outlets such as PIX 11 News, Fox 5 news, TODAY Show, NPR, New York 1 News, DNAInfo, etc. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding work such as the New York City Hometown Hero Award, Most Influential New Yorker Award, the Not Another Child Change Maker Award, Chancellor's Fellowship graduate, and member of the inaugural New York cohort of EdPacesetters. Dr. Rux believes in the power of education and has dedicated his life to this work. You can always count on hearing him speak the words, "Education saves lives!" He is a living testament of that because education saved his life. Continuing his leadership journey as the Deputy Superintendent for District 29 in Queens, Dr. Rux continued the work of ensuring all students receive the quality education they rightfully deserve while simultaneously supporting and building capacity in school leaders throughout the district. In an effort to keep education a priority in his community, Dr. Rux also ran for New York City Council in the 31st District. Currently, as the President and CEO of RUXway Inc., Dr. Rux is committed to building up the capacity of leaders with tailored leadership support coaching while continuing to support the community at large.