Dania Bazzi’s career in education started in the classroom as a high school math teacher. Upon completion of her PhD, she transitioned to working as an educational consultant to create quality common assessments and to collate information from assessments into useful tools to enhance instruction. From there she worked as Director of Teaching and Learning overseeing instructional leadership programs and developing systems to help carry out school and district improvement goals.
After having compiled a good deal of experience in instruction and curriculum, she sought out a superintendent position with Galesburg-Augusta, where we increased the graduation rate by 10% in only three years. She is currently the superintendent of Ferndale Public Schools and am focused on providing all students with a rigorous and challenging education, along with confidence, tools, and skills necessary to build and advance toward a framework of success through our SEL and DEI work.
This is Dania’s 8th year as a superintendent in Michigan and her goal is still the same, we must always do what’s best for kids.
Past AASA Michigan Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2021 Michigan Superintendent of the Year: Craig Carmoney
2020 Michigan Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Robert Shaner
About the Superintendent of the Year:
As a sponsor of the superintendent of the Year program, First Student wants to recognize these leaders in a special way this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption that has affected all education systems but also the innovative approaches that the superintendents and school districts addressed through radio, television, zoom and take-home packages. These superintendents are the very best in public education and are needed more than ever during this crisis.
About the Award:
The superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, The School superintendents Association, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State level winners are selected on the following criteria:
- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement