M. Ali Shama

My name is Musa Ali Shama, but everyone has always called me Ali. I have had the privilege of a diverse and fulfilling career in education. My journey began in the Bronx, where I was born to parents of Palestinian and Brazilian descent. I graduated from C.W. Post College/Long Island University with an art education degree and earned my Master of Fine Arts degree from CUNY-Lehman College.

After completing my education, I returned to my alma mater, Lehman High School in the Bronx, where I taught art for seven years. I also earned my second master’s degree from Queens College, City University of New York, in Educational Administration & Supervision.

My passion for education and leadership continued to grow. I became an Assistant Principal at John F. Kennedy H.S. in the Bronx before being appointed Principal of Francis Lewis High School in Queens, NY, in 2008. I am proud to say that during my tenure as principal, FLHS became the highest-performing non-specialized high school in the city, with over 4000 students for three consecutive years, and I increased the graduation rate by 8% in 4 years. I structured several course sequences in science research, forensic science, engineering, computer science, international studies, law, and entrepreneurship to increase student engagement through career-connected pathways.

My success at FLHS led to an opportunity to serve as Director for Principal Evaluations and later as Deputy Superintendent of High Schools in the New York City Department of Education. In these roles, I developed and coordinated professional learning for 48 NYCDOE principals annually and coordinated school turn-around efforts on several campuses.

In 2016, I became the Superintendent of New Visions Charter High Schools, overseeing and managing the NYC Charter Management Organization with eight high schools and two transfer schools. During my tenure, I leveraged leadership practices to improve educational rigor, prioritizing literacy routines and strategies that led to a 40% increase in students meeting CUNY’s college readiness benchmark and a 10% increase in the network graduation rate.

My passion for entrepreneurship in education and leadership led me to be President of Virtual Enterprises International, a national education nonprofit serving over 27,000 students nationwide and growing. After three years, inspired by all the entrepreneurs I engaged with, I decided to start my own company focused on AI in Education—EONS education.

Throughout my career, I have also taken the time to continue my education by being a Cahn Fellow and participating in NYSCOSS’ future Superintendents Academy.

In all my roles, I have worked to develop individual and team talent, establish and track performance metrics, oversee efficient fund disbursement tied to strategic initiatives, and build internal, industry, and community relationships. I believe in the power of teams, community building, continual professional development, and ongoing organizational improvement as drivers for a culture of excellence.