Self Portrait
Peggy Aw, Grade 8
Sy has a long and prestigious history in public education. He started his career as a teacher and then became a school leader. In 1975, he became the Director of Alternative Education for New York City’s Community School District 4 and began the transformation of New York City public schools described in his book, Miracle in East Harlem. In 1989, having served five years as Deputy Superintendent in District 4, he became the Superintendent of District 28 in Queens. Sy has been invited to the White House on two occasions in recognition of his achievements in public education.
He has written extensively, made numerous television appearances and is quoted frequently by the print media. He has spoken nationally and internationally about the importance of creating innovative, effective schools and a system of meaningful public school choice for all children. Outside of his CEI-PEA work, Sy serves on the advisory boards of The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the Foundation for a Greater Opportunity, the Carl Icahn Charter School, the Trey Whitfield School, the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School, and The Young Women's Leadership School.
Read CEI-PEA President Sy Fliegel's book about the birth of the small schools movement in NYC's East Harlem.