New Leader Spotlight: Eric Collazo of Washington Leadership Academy PCS

Eric Collazo has worked at Washington Leadership Academy Public Charter School for the past seven years. He now serves as the Executive Director, bringing a wealth of experience from his career in education that began in 2009. Under his leadership, the school has made significant strides in improving student success across the District. Meet Eric and learn more about how Washington Leadership Academy has been creating opportunities for students to explore their own leadership:

What inspired you to work in education?

I was inspired to work in public education because I recognized the opportunities of having a great education afforded me. I grew up in the Bronx, NY, and lived in public housing projects throughout my entire life until I attended college. As a child, it was ingrained in me that education was the means to change my circumstances. My background would suggest my success would not be possible. Yet, because of the tough-loving care from a supportive single mother, a formerly incarcerated father who always wanted better for me, and a cohort of grandparents and aunts/uncles who poured love and belief into me, I was afforded opportunities and educational experiences typically reserved for the elite through academic achievement and genuine good fortune. As a student teacher during my senior year of college at Burncoat High School in Worcester, Massachusetts, I discovered my passion for working in education. Working with the students there, I discovered my desire to be the person who provides students with the opportunity to change their circumstances through education, too, but without the private school price tag attached to it.

What’s a moment of growth you witnessed at your school?

I am genuinely proud of the academic growth Washington Leadership Academy has witnessed since returning from the pandemic. Despite the challenges of widening academic achievement gaps and adapting to the new norms of school since COVID, our staff and students worked diligently to set a consistent upward trend of growth. Our most recent DC CAPE data tells the story of the work our community put in. 

ELA

Level 4+: +5 percentage points

Level 3+: +12 percentage points

Growth to Proficiency: +23 points

Mathematics

Level 4+: +5 percentage points

Level 3+: +7 percentage points

Growth to Proficiency: +5 points

This kind of growth demonstrates the commitment of our educators to push for mastery and the drive of our students to find the purpose behind the learning. We know the work doesn't stop here and continue to nudge our students forward with support and quality instruction.

What's something about your school community you wish more people knew?

WLA has been committed to providing students with a four-year computer science curriculum since its founding. As we move forward into the day and age of AI, we're continuing to have our students engage in relevant computer science material. Still, more importantly, we are leaning into the ability for our students to use these skills to see themselves as critical thinkers. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, it will be essential for our students to use all the skills available in their leadership toolkit, with one of the most important being critical thinking.

What's your vision for the future of your school?

At WLA, we aim to develop students who see themselves as leaders who can thrive in the world and change it for the better. In that mission, we want our students to see their capacity to effect change not just when they graduate and leave the four walls of WLA, but here and now as current students. WLA has created opportunities for students to experience leadership within the building, as teaching assistants in the classroom, collaborators on major events and initiatives, and even as regular key members of our executive leadership team meetings. The future of WLA involves our students realizing their potential to serve as leaders both within and outside of WLA, as well as within the District. Ultimately, we believe that students in our Upper Academy (11th/12th grade) should have the opportunity to flex their leadership skills as ambassadors in the DC area - whether that involves working with local government, supporting local DC middle schools, collaborating with local tech firms, or serving alongside the DC Public Charter Board. Our kids should be able to experience the fact that they have incredible talent that can change the world now, especially in a time like now.

What makes your school's approach to education unique or distinctive?

Community is at the core of WLA's mission to create leaders who thrive in the world and change it for the better. Effective leaders understand the importance of serving those at the margins. To cultivate this sense of service within the greater community, WLA has invested in restorative practices and systems that encourage connection, foster identity, and promote a genuine sense of belonging. In these efforts, we help develop students who are empowered, authentic, confident, and empathetic leaders.

What's one thing about DC charter schools that might surprise people who aren't familiar with them?

Folks can often mistake charter schools for private schools. In my day-to-day interaction with people, I often find myself having to clarify what a public charter school "really is." In that clarification, I'm also sure to make it clear that WLA is a public school and that all DC students are welcome to apply. It often surprises folks to know that there are no specialized exams to enroll at WLA, which is intentional, because we believe all students belong and deserve to be a part of the WLA community.