Dr.
Astein Osei, a visionary leader, is driven by an unwavering dedication to equity and transformative leadership in the classroom and workplace. As the founder of
Progress Partners, LLC, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he is resolute in his mission to catalyze positive change in organizational and workforce development.
Osei's work is anchored in pursuing a more equitable world where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully. He is an accomplished and impassioned leader, deeply committed to his career and the creation of equitable learning environments.
With over 17 years of educational leadership experience in various roles, including superintendent, assistant superintendent, and director of educational equity, his achievements speak volumes about his dedication and impact.
Dr. Astein Osei, a former University of Minnesota college football player, took on the role of superintendent of St. Louis Park Public Schools in July 2017. Leading the district through the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic, he emerged as an innovative and inspiring leader, fortifying the students, parents, teachers, employees, and community.
After six years of leading St. Louis Park, he founded Progress Partners with a mission to elevate and empower business leaders and change agents.
"Our services go beyond conventional consultancy – we aspire to be true collaborators and catalysts for transformation," Dr. Osei shares. "We believe that the key to lasting change lies in fostering deep collaboration and providing unwavering support to our partners. Through this holistic approach, we aim to create a ripple effect, sparking transformational change that extends far beyond the confines of any single organization."
Dr. Osei Receives Region 9 Administrator Award
For
Astein Osei, equity is not just a profession; it's a way of life. From his early days as a health and physical education teacher to his recent role as superintendent, he has consistently championed the creation of racially equitable educational environments.
In 2023, Osei's significant contributions to education were honored with the prestigious
Region 9 Administrator of Excellence award by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators. This accolade highlights his impactful work at both regional and state levels. He was honored by MASA for a willingness to take risks while possessing strong communication skills and being a "progressive change agent" with "high expectations for themselves and others."
Dr. Astein Osei's commitment to creating equitable learning environments is unwavering. He is a leader who goes above and beyond, striving to ensure that every student has an empowering educational experience.
His belief that nothing happens by chance and that everything has a purpose is a driving force in his work. His journey from a student-athlete to a passionate educator is a testament to his dedication and passion for creating transformative change in the field of education.
"I am a firm believer that nothing happens by chance or luck and that everything happens for a reason," Osei shared. "I believe that God has ordered my steps and that the field of education is not a job but a vocation. It was not an accident that I was invited to substitute teach in the spring of 2002. I believe that is the calling that God has put on my life, which is why I was so drawn to the students, and the students were drawn to me during my substitute teaching experience."
Astein Osei Is Breaking Barriers
Dr. Astein Osei made history in 2011, becoming the first Black male high school principal at St. Paul's Johnson High School.
His appointment was not just a personal achievement, but a significant milestone in the journey towards racial equity in education. His leadership inspired students and teachers alike, showing them the possibilities of achieving their dreams despite the odds stacked against them.
"I also recall, as a K-12 student, having teachers and administrators of color," he shared. "Growing up in Illinois in the '80s and '90s, there were teachers and administrators of color, and I have fond memories of their positive impact on my life."
He said every one of the teachers held high expectations for him, even when he didn't believe in himself.
"As a Black male, I want to create educational environments for all students," he shares, "especially students of color, where there are high expectations for their academic performance, where they are loved, and have the opportunity to explore their gifts just as I was able to do as a student growing up in the suburbs of Chicago."
The Importance of Pre-K Education in Strengthening Democracy
Osei pursued a career in education because he believed that pre-K schooling, especially public schooling, was critical to the success of democracy.
He asserts that for the nation to survive and thrive, everyone must be educated in a way that provides access to grade-level standards, fosters self-understanding, encourages learning about diverse people, and creates opportunities for critical thinking and dialogue.
Dr. Astein Osei aims to contribute to developing a generation of Americans capable of solving some of the toughest challenges facing the country and the world.
Reflecting on his positive pre-K educational experience in diverse schools, Osei says, "The adults in those environments had high expectations, gave me access to grade-level standards, and saw my brilliance. This positioned me well to be a positive contributing member of society and engage in critical conversations as an adult."
Osei believes the persistent gaps in student achievement nationwide don't have to exist.
"My educational experience as a Black male from a single-mother household motivates me to create racial equity transformation in the schools and districts where I work," he says.
He emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment, adding, "With the right environment, beliefs, and instructional strategies, every student can be successful regardless of their skin color, caregiver engagement, or socio-economic background."
He acknowledges the roles of poverty, racism, and parent engagement in student success. Still, he believes that "educators can mitigate adverse childhood experiences by creating a racially and culturally relevant learning environment."
Astein Osei Says 'Each Opportunity Left Me Feeling Enriched'
When asked in a recent interview about a significant achievement before becoming a superintendent, Astein Osei reflects on his experiences presenting at national and state-level conferences.
"I wouldn't classify it as a significant achievement, but presenting at these conferences was a pivotal experience for me," Osei says. "Every time I had these opportunities, I felt a mix of surprise, nervousness, and excitement. I was often surprised, wondering who was interested in what I had to say. Nervousness came from imposter syndrome and wanting to ensure my presentations were credible and useful. However, I was also excited because it was a chance to influence adults in the pre-K-12 educational space. Each opportunity left me feeling enriched by the participants' rich dialogue and engagement."
Utilizing Skills with Progress Partners
Now, as a leader with Progress Partners,
Astein Osei leverages these skills to drive transformative change in educational environments. His experiences in public speaking and engaging with diverse audiences have equipped him to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders, from educators to policymakers.
At Progress Partners, Osei's focus remains on fostering equitable educational settings. He draws on his background to advocate for policies and practices that promote inclusivity and high academic standards. His commitment to collective responsibility and advocacy for equity continues to shape his work, ensuring that all students, especially those from marginalized communities, receive the support they need to succeed.
Osei's ability to build trust and maintain high expectations for all learners is central to his approach at Progress Partners. By creating a culture of mutual respect and high aspirations, he aims to empower educators and students alike to reach their full potential.
Through Progress Partners, Osei is dedicated to expanding access to quality education and supporting the development of innovative solutions to the challenges facing schools today. His journey from presenting at conferences to leading impactful initiatives exemplifies his unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes and fostering a more just and equitable society.
