Neubauer Fellows Community

Tom Szczesny

Principal, Powderhorn Elementary School
Jefferson County Public Schools, Colorado
2020 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
School/Org Neighborhood
Jefferson County Public Schools, CO
Education
Ed.D. Educational Leadership, M.S.Ed. Urban Education, University of Pennsylvania
Administrative Certification, Philadelphia Pathways to Leadership in Urban Schools (PhillyPLUS)
B.A. Education, University of Michigan
"I serve as a principal because I believe in the possibility of young people to change the world for the better. I love waking up each day with the opportunity to support my teachers in helping my students realize their vast potential and understand how they can make positive difference."

Tom served as the principal of James Dobson Elementary School in the School District of Philadelphia from 2018 – 2021. In July of 2021, he accepted the role of Principal at Powderhorn Elementary School in Jefferson County, CO. In 2022, Powderhorn earned the Governor’s Distinguished Award from the state of CO for its academic growth scores. During the 2023-24 school year, he led Powderhorn as it successfully welcomed and integrated over 100 students and their families, an expanded staff, and multiple regional programs from a neighboring school closed through Jeffco’s school consolidation process. The experience reinforced the importance of connection and belonging as central to his leadership practice.

Tom has been an educator since 2009. Prior to becoming a principal, Tom served as a teacher, teacher mentor, teaching assistant and graduate research assistant, contextual learning coordinator and assistant principal. Well-being and mental fitness are pillars of the professional and personal life that he enjoys with his wife and two daughters in Colorado. Tom grew up in Bloomfield, MI.

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