Sandra J Stein

Dr. Sandra J. Stein is an internationally recognized expert in school leadership development, well known for her rigorous, experiential approach to developing strong instructional leaders. As the CEO of the NYC Leadership Academy Dr. Stein’s visionary method of teaching using problem-based, real-world simulations and job-embedded learning has contributed to the development and success of hundreds of current and prospective principals in New York City. Under her guidance, the Leadership Academy identifies, prepares and supports innovative school leaders who have the instructional and leadership skills necessary to empower teachers, students and parents, and to direct efforts to improve student learning in some of the City’s most challenging schools. Dr. Stein created the original design for the ground-breaking Aspiring Principals Program (APP), which recruits and prepares educators to become New York City public school principals, and has shaped the Leadership Academy’s coaching and training programs so that they are purpose-driven, rigorous, and grounded in the actual work of current principals. Dr. Stein’s commitment to educational excellence has driven her entire career. Before joining the Leadership Academy, Dr. Stein was an Associate Professor at Baruch College, School of Public Affairs and founding director of its Aspiring Leaders Program (ALPs).She has written comprehensively on the issue of preparing the nation’s educational leaders. Her two books, The Culture of Education Policy (Teachers College Press 2004) and Principal Training on the Ground: Ensuring Highly Qualified Leadership (co-authored with Liz Gewirtzman, Heinemann 2003) have received wide-spread critical acclaim. Dr. Stein received her Ph.D. in Education Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University and holds two M.A.degrees from Stanford in Political Science and International and Comparative Education,. She earned her BA in Sociology from Grinnell College. She has lived, worked and studied in Latin America and speaks Spanish fluently. Dr. Stein currently lives in New York City with her husband Matt Lambiase.