Press Release 9/4/18

PERTH AMBOY – Completing its search for a new Vice Principal, the Academy for Urban Leadership Charter School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Azan Waddell has been selected as the district’s next Vice Principal effective on September 4, 2018.  

The previous Vice Principal, Jeannie Paz, finished out her service AULCS on September 14, 2018.  Ms. Paz’s hard work and dedication has enabled a smooth transition for the program ensuring stability for the beginning of the school year for students, staff, families, and the community.  We thank her for her service in ensuring the mission of AULCS has been at the forefront of all the work she has done. 

Mr. Waddell received his baccalaureate from the University of Michigan, and completed his master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the Montclair State University.  He comes with 12 years of experience as an educator. His career began as a Teach for America corps member, serving the community of Newark. After completing his service with AmeriCorps and Teach for America, he remained in Newark serving as grade-level chairperson, lead teacher, mentor, basketball coach, and student advisor. After eight years of serving Newark, Mr. Waddell transitioned to the New Jersey Department of Education as a Field Manager in the Office of Comprehensive Supports. During his four year tenure at the NJDOE, Mr. Waddell served in multiple roles including Manager of Instructional Technology, Manager of Formative Assessment, SIG and Race to the Top Grant Project Manager, and Program Manager for edConnectNJ. 

“There were over 100 candidates who applied for the job and 16 candidates who were selected for face to face interviews.  From there, 6 candidates where interviewed by board members, the vice principals, principal, students, graduates, and myself.  We narrowed the field to 3 final candidates who were given a performance task in observing and evaluating a lesson utilizing the Danielson Framework,” Erin Mulligan-Pierre, Chief School Administrator explained.  “Mr. Waddell came out as the top candidate and we are thrilled at the experience he will add to our district and his commitment to social justice and education.”

“I am immensely delighted to join the AUL community and see it as a privilege to be given this opportunity to assist in improving the educational outcomes of our students,” Mr. Waddell stated. “I’m looking forward to working with the staff and community in engaging the critically important work to ensure our students receive a high quality educational experience.”