Marnie Hazelton’s impact on the Englewood Public Schools in New Jersey is nothing short of transformative. As superintendent, she has brought a unique blend of compassion, creativity, and a relentless commitment to student success that has redefined leadership in education. Serving a district of approximately 2,900 pre-K through 12th-grade students, Hazelton has demonstrated that leadership begins with remembering the classroom.
“A good superintendent remembers what it was like to be a classroom teacher,” Hazelton’s website declares. And she lives by this philosophy. Hazelton frequently steps into classrooms to co-teach lessons, modeling instructional practices and building trust with teachers. Recently, she joined a fourth-grade writing class at McLeod Elementary School, where students composed letters to astronauts stuck in space. Hazelton described the experience: “It afforded the teacher an opportunity to watch different modalities of teaching and see how her students interact. It was insightful for her and for me.” This hands-on approach reinforces her belief in collaboration and professional growth.
Hazelton’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. She understands that supporting teachers is critical to addressing challenges like post-pandemic stress and teacher shortages. “Teachers are humans,” she said. “We should never forget what it was like in those classrooms, from managing hydration to balancing limited breaks.” She actively listens to staff through a superintendent-teacher liaison committee that meets quarterly, providing a safe space to discuss ideas. “I’ll never ask you to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” she affirmed.
Beyond her focus on teachers, Hazelton has prioritized student voice, mental health, and community engagement. Recognizing the unique challenges of today’s youth, she established student advisory councils at the middle and high school levels. These councils empower students to share concerns and ideas for improvement. Hazelton took a student’s candid critique of a magnet program’s lack of rigor seriously, reflecting her commitment to meaningful change.
One of the most notable initiatives under her leadership is addressing cell phone addiction among students. By introducing Yondr pouches to lock up phones during school hours, Hazelton created an environment where students could reconnect with each other and their learning. “You notice the difference immediately,” she said. “Students are talking to each other. They’re engaging in ways they hadn’t before.” This measure also curbed online bullying and inappropriate content issues, fostering a safer school environment.
Hazelton’s approach to community engagement is as inventive as it is personal. At the start of the school year, she greets families during morning drop-off, handing out coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts. “I’m a mother. I know no one has time to get out of their car. So, I go to them,” she explained. This simple gesture builds bridges with parents, making her accessible and approachable.
Her strategic vision is equally inspiring. Partnering with the Algebra Project, a program founded by civil rights pioneer Bob Moses, Hazelton emphasizes math literacy as a civil rights issue. “Research shows that proficiency in algebra by eighth grade increases the likelihood of college graduation,” she said. By prioritizing foundational skills, Hazelton ensures that students have opportunities to excel academically and beyond.
Englewood Public Schools has also embraced forward-thinking approaches to technology and artificial intelligence. Hazelton candidly shared her initial concerns about AI, fearing it might exacerbate challenges like cheating. However, she now sees its potential as a tool for enhancing efficiency and creativity in the district’s operations. “I use AI to draft letters and refine ideas. It’s been tremendously helpful,” she noted.
Hazelton’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in equity and access. Reflecting on the broader education landscape, she emphasized the importance of improving public schools while advocating against systemic inequalities. “Your zip code shouldn’t determine the quality of your education,” she said, pointing to her own experience of navigating education options for her son.
Under Marnie Hazelton’s leadership, Englewood Public Schools is not just adapting to change but thriving. By centering empathy, creativity, and equity, Hazelton has created a district where teachers feel supported, students feel heard, and the community feels valued. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when leadership is rooted in connection and a shared commitment to excellence.
For those interested in learning more about Inglewood Public Schools’ initiatives, visit their website at epsd.org.