Dr. Shawn Rux was born and raised in Harrisburg, PA. After graduating with honors from Harrisburg High School in 1993, he was the first in his family to attend college. He earned a B.S. in Psychology from Delaware State University, an M.A. degree in Elementary Education at CUNY Lehman College and a second M.A. in Administration and Supervision from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. In 2019, he received a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Concordia University of Chicago.
He 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 9 years as a teacher, grade advisor, and Assistant Principal. He was 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 5 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 raised student attendance from 85% to over 92%, decreased student suspensions by over 400%, as well as increasing English Language Arts and Mathematics State exam scores. He is also accredited for implementing a full Performing Arts Program, his students publishing two books of original poetry, and producing five original music CD’s.
Most recently, he served as the Deputy Superintendent for NYC District 29 in Queens, where he 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.
His 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 cohort of EdPacesetters.
New Book!
Written by Dr. Shawn Rux, I WANT TO BE is an engaging and motivational book for children of all ages designed to spark career interests and confirm the belief that you can be whatever you want to be!
S.W.A.G.G.E.R. x MOTIVATE
In 2014, Shawn Rux, then Principal of M.S. 53Q, made news on several media platforms including WNYC Radio and WPIX11 for two music videos etitled, “S.W.A.G.G.E.R.” (Students Who Achieve Good Grades Earn Respect) & Motivate.