Cultivating Potential from the Ground Up A Roadmap to Educational Leadership Beyond the Textbook

My goal was to address a range of essential topics when examining the variables impacting education and the relationship between leadership and education. Moreover, I aimed to ensure that while much of my writing might seem opinion-based, it reflects actual practices and experiences that guided the content, drawing from practical experience as an administrator. Additionally, the writing includes research-based references for readers who prefer scholarly reading.
Furthermore, I wanted to include workplace scenarios that reflect practical experiences that one may encounter as a leader. Keep in mind that while some scenarios may resemble real life experiences, they are created for the purpose of providing context for readers, without directly referencing individuals I or my colleagues have worked with. Others will serve as actual testimonies of real-life encounters.
It was also extremely important to me to compose a book that resonated with people of varying educational backgrounds and degrees within the field of education. While unsure if I achieved my overall goal, I do know this book was a labor of love, representing who I am as an individual, with all its many twists and turns. It serves as a unique representation of how we can all dare to dream and turn those bucket list items into a true reality.

Dr. Passion Moss-Hasan, also known as "Dr. Passion" is regarded as a transformative educational leader, working in an administrative capacity. With over twenty-five years of experience, she has spearheaded, and implemented initiatives that create internal systems of accountability while advancing the school's climate and culture, developed new hybrid programs of instruction and learning, helped to bridge the gap amongst all stakeholders, and vaulted forward building improvements and renovations.
At present, she is the Principal of Dionne Warwick Institute of Economics and Entrepreneurship servicing grades pre-k to fifth grade in East Orange, NJ. Humbled by the opportunity to work alongside the school's namesake, American singer, actress, and television host, Ms. Dionne Warwick, Dr. Passion continues to inspire change as a turnaround principal. During her tenure she spearheaded numerous initiatives in an effort to revitalize the building, which sits over 110 years old. Additionally, she is lauded for leading the groundbreaking renovations of a state-of-the-art auditorium, backed by the East Orange School District. She led her school to receive the coveted Model School designation from the Leader in Me CASEL approved SEL program in 2022.
From 2009 to early 2020, Dr. Passion served as the Principal of Cicely L. Tyson Community Elementary School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange, NJ. Alongside her administrative work, she was recruited by the East Orange School District and Community Partners to inspire the design of the community's state-of-the-art elementary and middle/high school and community center in honor of the late renowned American actress and activist, Ms. Cicely L. Tyson. The community school which teaches core disciplines while focusing on the creative potential of the students, boasts two auditoriums and two black box theaters. Dr. Passion's diverse professional background, which includes roles as a performer, teacher, instructor/broker, literacy coordinator, assistant principal, and motivational speaker within the greater metropolitan area guided her recommendations during this much anticipated and groundbreaking initiative.
Starting her career as an administrator at the Washington Academy of Performing Arts in East Orange, New Jersey, Dr. Passion acted in the role of Vice Principal (2006-2008), Acting Principal (February, 2008 to June 2008), and Principal (September 2008 to June 2009). As school principal, her spirit to challenge the status quo and improve the experience and the academic success of students took root and blossomed.
Education
Dr. Passion earned her B.A. from Delaware State University in Drama and Speech Communications and a M.A. in Administration and Supervision from Saint Peter's University. She also completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Kean University in New Jersey researching and writing about the efficacy of afterschool programs.
She proudly serves as a member of multiple organizations such as the National Education Association (NEA), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA), East Orange Administrators Association (EOAA), Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), Phi Delta Kappa Incorporated (PDK), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, NC100BW, Yejide Lessons, and Woodbridge Organization of Neighbors Advocating Change (WONAC).
Accomplishments
Dr. Passion's accomplishments are extensive and wide-ranging. She is a trained executive leadership coach. In December of 2013, she traveled to China to study the current Chinese educational system, share educational theory and practice from the American educational perspective, and to establish a rapport with performing arts schools. Dr. Passion has also been featured on various platforms addressing educational leadership, equity in education and program development. Furthermore, in 2017 she received a formal invitation from the senior pastor of The Potter's House, a global humanitarian organization, the Honorable Bishop, T.D. Jakes, to serve as a speaker for the First Legends Award. The award, designed to acknowledge the great work of iconic figures in music and the film industry, was presented to Ms. Cicely L. Tyson.
Further, as a result of her leadership efforts she was nominated by Ms. Dionne Warrick, ng America's (GMA) Inspiration List: Who's Making Black History Right Now? The nomination acknowledges rising stars whose influence will become colossal and others who are 'hidden figures' doing the work, gaining success and sharing their talent, "making Black history right here, right now." Dr. Passion was acknowledged alongside the likes of American Rapper, Missy Elliott, American television broadcaster, Robin Roberts, and American ballet dancer, Misty Copeland. Dr. Passion has also received numerous awards from local organizations.