Ben Shuldiner has dedicated over 25 years to transforming education through his work as a teacher, principal, professor, school board member, and superintendent. His career is defined by a commitment to student success, parent engagement, fiscal stewardship, and innovative leadership.As a classroom teacher and co-department chair, Ben led dramatic gains on the Regents Exams. He then became the founding principal of The High School for Public Service (HSPS), where his vision of academic excellence and community engagement led to extraordinary outcomes. Through a strong advisory system, community service requirements, and high expectations, HSPS achieved a 98% graduation rate in its first year and sustained a 95%+ rate throughout his tenure. Under his leadership, HSPS earned recognition as one of New York City’s top 50 high schools by the Daily News, and received multiple Bronze Medals from U.S. News & World Report. In 2010, it became the first high school ever to be named New York’s top Title I school. For his impact, Ben was awarded the Jefferson Award for Public Service for individuals under 35.
Transitioning to higher education, Ben became the Distinguished Lecturer of Education Leadership at Hunter College, leading one of the country’s largest school and district leadership programs. He revamped the curriculum to emphasize student-centered leadership, preparing future principals and superintendents to enact meaningful, systemic change. His work extended nationally and internationally, including consulting roles in Norway and India.
Ben was also elected the longest-serving President of ASCD, the largest professional education organization in the U.S. Under his leadership, ASCD recovered from a decade-long decline, regaining financial stability and membership. His strategic direction reinvigorated the organization and expanded its global impact.
In public service, Ben served on the New York City Board of Education for three years. During his tenure, the district saw gains in graduation rates, college enrollment, and persistence. He gained deep insight into the operations of the nation's largest school system and championed policies that improved student outcomes.
As superintendent of the Lansing School District, Ben led a dramatic transformation. When he arrived, the district faced low graduation rates, declining enrollment, and a lack of community trust. In just four years, graduation rates increased by 26% to a record 88%, attendance rose by 13%, and enrollment grew for the first time in over 30 years. According to Stanford University’s Education Opportunity Project, Lansing achieved the highest reading growth in Michigan from 2022–2024.
Ben prioritized academic excellence, access, and innovation, launching Universal Pre-K, Lansing Technical High School, the Lansing Newcomer Center, and the Lansing Learning Hub. He strengthened parent and student engagement through regular roundtables and improved labor relations, negotiating six collective bargaining agreements. Financially, he quadrupled the district’s fund balance, implemented a robust investment strategy, and secured over $100 million in grants and state earmarks. His efforts made Lansing staff among the best-compensated in the region.
Ben Shuldiner’s career exemplifies transformative leadership rooted in results, and the belief that all students deserve the opportunity to thrive.