Dr. Astein Osei and his career have been defined by his unique approach to education. His vision is to create an inclusive environment that empowers students, regardless of their background, to excel academically and advocate for themselves and their community.
Osei achieves this as an extension of
Ubuntu, a South African virtue that translates to "I am because we are." This belief has motivated him through every trial and success in his 22-year-long career.
"I believe that as educators, we all must work together to support the healthy development of our learners," he said. "Collectivism is critical to improving student educational outcomes."
Dr. Astein Osei’s Career Takes An Unexpected Turn
Having received a football scholarship at the University of Minnesota, Osei majored in journalism and communications and planned to become a sports broadcaster.
After stepping in as a substitute for a religion teacher during his senior year, Osei's career trajectory took an exciting turn. In that pivotal moment, he discovered his true calling. He realized that his purpose was to be a teacher, to change the lives of his students, one lesson at a time.
"From the moment that I stepped foot into the classroom, I was instantly drawn to the students' energy and began to substitute teach multiple days a week at the school," he said.
Dr. Astein Osei Makes History
Once he graduated from college,
Astein Osei was invited to work as a building substitute and coached the school's football and track teams. He then attended St. Mary's University, pursuing a master's degree in educational administration.
Osei spent five years as a health and education teacher before he moved to another district to work in administrative positions. He gained more experience as he worked in these roles and made impacts, big and small. Eventually, in 2011, he made history as Johnson Senior High School's first Black male principal.
In this position, Osei was inspired to teach his students the value of servant leadership. He worked to instill a new way of thinking in his students—leadership is a responsibility, and true leaders have to rise to the challenge. To make a difference, students must decide to become better and give back to their community.
From 2015 to 2017,
Astein Osei served as the Osseo Public School District's assistant superintendent, leaving a lasting impact on the school community. In May 2017, he was appointed as the superintendent of the St. Louis Park School District, a position he held during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, the district successfully transitioned to virtual learning, a testament to his resourcefulness and dedication to his role.
Osei's tenure was marked by significant improvements in student performance and a more inclusive school culture. In 2022, he and the district improved physical facilities upon approving a $100.9 million supplemental levy in 2017, the most significant bond in the district's history.
He implemented four core values into his work: collective responsibility, advocacy for equity, trust and high expectations. Additionally, he strived to complete projects to enhance the student experience, conserve energy and improve student safety and security.
Dr. Astein Osei's Commitment to Education
Osei's commitment to education is deeply personal. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs, where several of his teachers and administrators were people of color. Osei's mentors held high expectations for him and noticed his potential when he couldn't see it in himself. These experiences gave him a deep understanding of the importance of leadership and excellence. In his work, Osei strives to provide a space that encourages his students to succeed, just as his mentors did for him.
"As a Black male, I want to create educational environments for all students, 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," he said.
Furthermore,
Astein Osei believes a great education is the key to a thriving democracy. As an educational leader, he ensures that every student excels as they learn more about the world. With those skills, his students can achieve anything they want.
"I believe that pre-K-12 schooling, especially public schooling, is critical to the success of our democracy. If our great nation is going not only to survive but thrive, we will need everyone to be educated in a manner that gives them access to grade-level standards, allows them to understand who they are, and begins to learn about people who are different from them, and creates opportunities for critical thinking and dialogue," he said.
"I want to contribute to a generation of Americans who can contribute to solving some of our country's and the world's toughest challenges."
Dr. Astein Osei Impacts His Community
At the core of servant leadership lies an innate need to help others in your community before you help yourself. Osei shares this core belief with his students.
As Osei's career advanced, he never lost sight of his values. Despite serving a larger community, he remained connected to his students, families, and employees. His commitment to servant leadership was not just a belief, but a way of life, evident in his actions. He demonstrated a genuine desire to serve everyone and contribute to the transformation of the whole community.
When he wasn't working at the school district or impacting students, Osei participated as a member of multiple state and local organizations, including the Association of Metropolitan School Districts, Minnesota Association of School Administrators and Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Community Advisory Board.
Last year, in 2023, Osei received the Region 9 Administrator of Excellence title, awarded by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators. He also exercised leadership in other committees and organizations, such as the Children First Executive Committee and the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission.
Progress Partners: Dr. Astein Osei's New Business Venture
"Creating transformational change through collaboration" is the driving force behind
Progress Partners, Osei's new business.
The company aims to enact positive change and promote inclusive practices to other firms and management leaders through strategic planning, leadership development, coaching and speaking engagements. Progress Partners offers holistic leadership training to transform workplace culture.
'I am because we are': Dr. Astein Osei's Lifetime of Transformative Leadership
Ultimately, Osei incorporates his values, upbringing and experience into his successful career. Growing up, he lived a humble life with his single mother, and they weren't considered "rich" by the culture's definition. Despite this, Astein still found success, taking his background to create a fruitful future. In each interaction, he hopes to inspire his students to do the same someday.
In the future, Osei will continue transforming his community and reaching more milestones within the district. On a personal note, he also wants to strengthen his faith because he owes all of his success to God.
Above all, he is a husband, father, educator and a true advocate for equality in his community.
"First and foremost, I firmly believe that nothing happens by chance or luck and that everything happens for a reason. I believe that God has ordered my steps and that the field of education for me is not a job but a vocation. It was not an accident that I was invited to substitute teach in the spring of 2002," he said.
"I believe that God has a calling on my life, which is why I was so drawn to the students who were drawn to me during my substitute teaching experience."
Conclusion
We would like to thank Dr. Astein Ostein for taking the time to share his insights with us.
By Chris Bates
