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Aric Solderbloom
Principal He's been at Shabazz since 2009 |
What are three things that students should know about you?
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I believe education is about growth and change. We walk into a class with a certain perspective and understanding of the world (I use the term mental model to generally describe this perspective). A great class will challenge you to change your perspective and expand your understanding of the world. A great class will challenge you to change your mental model of the world. A great class will ask you to think.
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Thinking involves effort. I believe a great class will not tell you what to think, it will ask you what you think. A great class will ask you to generate thoughtful and engaging questions about the world. A great class will challenge you to answer those questions and then ask you to explain your thinking by providing examples and evidence. A great class will challenge you to explain how other people think and ask you to compare their mental models to your own beliefs. A great class will challenge you to clearly and effectively communicate your ideas to others.
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I believe Shabazz is a great school because we accept students for who they are and, at the same time, we believe in your ability to grow and change. In other words, we believe in learning.
What made you want to come to Shabazz?
- I completed my student teaching here in 1996. I was impressed by a school culture that allowed me to create and teach my own classes: Philosophical Conceptions of Good and Evil, Tai Chi Chuan, and the Shabazzoid Monthly (a school newspaper).
- When I worked in Sparta to develop an alternative school and then a charter school, I used many ideas from Shabazz in creating those schools.
- I share many of the core beliefs that are inherent to the school culture at Shabazz: a belief in collective decision making, a strong respect for individual differences, a genuine concern and compassion for our individual and collective humanity.
- Coming back to Shabazz was like coming home.
What should new students know about you?
- I’m not your typical principal. I have no interest in lecturing you or telling you what you should do. You have more control over your destiny than I do. I will clearly communicate the expectations at Shabazz and will clearly communicate what happens when you do not meet those expectations. If necessary, I communicate what the consequences are for not meeting the expectations.
- More often than not, I work with students to assist them in overcoming obstacles in their ability to be successful at Shabazz.
- I am always eager to listen to your vision for your future, your ideas and your goals.
What’s your favorite thing about Shabazz?
The engaged and meaningful conversations that are happening throughout the school, every hour, and every single day.