School Leader

• 

  Shannon Williams-Paden

  Shannon Williams-Paden is the principal of Achievement First Endeavor Middle School. Prior to this role, she served as Principal-In-Residence/academic dean at AF University Prep High. Mrs. Williams-Paden also made an impact as Principal-In-Residence/dean of special services at AF Apollo Middle, where she helped build a strong special education program, hitting end-of-year goals three months prior to the end of the school year. Before arriving at Achievement First, she served as a fifth/sixth grade teacher and leader at Rise Academy-KIPP New Jersey, where she oversaw the success of multiple grade teams, directed the Teacher Fellowship Program, and spearheaded professional development in diversity & inclusion during her 9-year tenure. She began her educational career as a 2007 Teach for America Corps Member, teaching third grade for Newark Public Schools, where her students showcased a 52% increase in math proficiency on the state assessment in 2008. Mrs. Williams-Paden earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Africana studies from the University at Albany (SUNY), earned a master’s degree in education from Grand Canyon University, and completed the National Principals Academy fellowship program through the Relay Graduate School of Education. A Queens, New York native and product of NYC public schools, she is dedicated to ensuring all her students receive a high-quality education that will be the gateway towards building future leaders within our communities.