Shamel Duncan is the current principal at AF East New York Middle School. It is somewhat a full circle moment for him because he started his Achievement First career here, as a behavior specialist, in 2013. Serving as principal of AF East New York Middle School is deeply connected to his personal why. Shamel also previously served as an Associate Dean of Students and Dean of Students. In 2019, he transitioned to a network role on Team Student Experience where he served as a Director on Team Student Experience and most recently, Senior Director of Student Experience. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant. At the age of 17, Shamel moved to Greenville, South Carolina where he completed his last year of high school. After graduating, Shamel enrolled in Morris College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Shamel began his career in education working at his alma mater – Boys and Girls High School. Shamel believes that “Life has meaning only if you do what is meaningful to you”.