Comments on Shael Polakow-Suransky

Two friends with comments on Cathie Black's #2, Shael Polakow-Suransky:

 

Shael is a fantastic educator and an excellent leader.  He understands instruction, assessment, and accountability deeply. He was way ahead of the curve pushing to move towards the Common Core Standards and new forms of assessment as well as emphasizing a value-added or growth model on the Chancellor's Progress Report.  He's been an excellent teacher, school leader, Deputy Chancellor, and now he will be an excellent Chief Academic Officer for the department.  In the end, this "compromise" would likely have happened anyway, and it will be a win-win-win.  A win for Bloomberg/Black, a win for Mayoral Control, and most importantly a win for the kids of New York who will benefit from Shael's leadership and experience.

 

And:

 

He's quiet, solid, reflective, smart as a whip. Knows what to do, has done it.

 

He's the real deal. Also been working the salt mines of NYC public schools for a very long time.

 

If anyone else have worked with him and wants to share comments, I'd welcome them.