Dr. Astein Osei began his journey into the field of education rather unexpectedly during his senior year of college. While studying journalism and communications at the University of Minnesota, a mentor asked Osei to substitute teach at a local high school facing staffing shortages.
“From the moment that I stepped foot into the classroom, I was instantly drawn to the energy of the students,” recalls Osei of his surprising path into education.
This opportunity ignited a passion in him that would propel his career and fuel his drive for over two decades in the field of education.
Osei began his formal career as a physical education and health teacher at Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul. Throughout his teaching experience, he has gained a passion for empowering students and inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Astein Osei Champions Equity in Leadership Positions
Dr. Osei’s dedication to students led him to pursue administrative roles where he could impact more youth. Committed to addressing inequities, Osei quickly advanced through the teaching and administrative ranks, making history along the way. In 2011, he became the first Black male high school principal at St. Paul’s Johnson High.
His dedication and achievements led him to become the assistant superintendent of Osseo Public Schools from 2015-2017.
In May 2017, Astein Osei was named the new superintendent of St. Louis Park school district in suburban Minneapolis, where he led the district through a critical period during the COVID-19 pandemic and transition to distance learning.
“I’ve always believed public schools should prepare students not just for jobs but for engaged citizenship in a democracy,” says Osei.
“If our great nation is going to not only 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 begin to learn about people who are different from them, and creates opportunities for critical thinking and dialogue. I want to contribute to a generation of Americans who can contribute to solving some of our country’s and world’s toughest challenges.”
Dr. Astein Osei has actively and passionately confronted racial disparities as an educator and administrator. He has developed programs and delivered training to foster cultural understanding and implement practices that respect diverse backgrounds.
Astein Osei’s Legacy of Inspiring Change: A Dedication to Community
Osei served over six years as superintendent of St. Louis Park Public Schools, where he championed strategic initiatives for racial equity and inclusion. His drive stems from believing in collective responsibility and creating inclusive environments where all students can thrive. He remains committed to positively impacting future generations.
Throughout his career, Osei has drawn strength and support from the communities he has been a part of. His personal growth and achievements are deeply rooted in embracing environments that have nurtured him.
“Personally, community means everything,” he shares. “I think about who I am and where I am today, and it wasn’t because I’m so great or because I’m so lucky; it is because a community surrounded me and supported me to help me get to where I am, and they continue to do that.”
Even during challenging times, such as when shouldering significant responsibilities like the global pandemic and distant learning, community leaders recognized Osei’s ability to thrive under pressure as a superintendent.
Even amid the most challenging times, community leaders acknowledged Osei’s outstanding leadership, enthusiastic energy, and efforts to bring teachers and students together while normalizing shared emotions.
Astein Osei’s High Expectations that Lift Up All Students
When asked what inspires his continued drive for equity in education, Dr. Osei shares, “I had teachers and administrators of color who held high expectations for me and saw brilliance in me that I didn’t see in myself. I want to create those same environments for all students.”
Osei’s commitment to equity is rooted in this very experience.
“I want every student to feel praised and challenged,” he shares. “I believe that every learner I come in contact with possesses gifts and talents, and it is my responsibility as an educator to nurture the gifts and talents that they have been blessed with. To do that, I have to have high expectations for those learners and not provide them with remedial educational experiences because of the mental models I may hold about their ability to learn. I believe that everyone has the capacity and responsibility to foster the growth and brilliance of others.”
He aims to spread that vision nationwide through his new company, Progress Partners, LLC.
Astein’s New Business Endeavor, Progress Partners, LLC: Sharing Hard-Won Lessons
Building on his extensive experience in education administration, Dr. Osei launched his new business venture, Progress Partners LLC, in September 2023. This endeavor is driven by his vision to create a more equitable world while equipping other districts with the tools and strategies he has developed over his career.
Progress Partners is guided by a desire to create a more equitable world. He infuses people with the tools and education needed to strategically advance inclusion strategies in classrooms.
“Everything I learned from my experiences as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent, I hope to share with other educators to foster more equitable and just schools,” says the educational equity advocate.
Astein Osei’s Holistic Approach to Equity Work
Progress Partners takes a comprehensive approach, working with districts to provide professional development, strategic planning for equity, and program evaluation through an equitable lens.
“So often, districts have the desire to improve outcomes for students of color but may lack the resources or expertise. I want Progress Partners to fill that gap,” explains Dr. Osei. “It’s not enough to train teachers for a day. Districts need sustained support to dismantle decades of inequity.”
Rather than acting as outside consultants, Osei and his team seek to develop leadership within districts.
“This work has to be owned locally,” he says. “We focus on building capacity, so change continues even after we leave.”
Beyond traditional consultancy, Progress Partners strives to be true collaborators and catalysts for transformation.
The firm believes lasting change requires deep collaboration and unwavering support.
Progress Partners sparks ripple effects of change extending beyond any single organization through a grassroots approach.
With a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, the firm remains committed to an equitable world where all individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
To learn more about Dr. Astein Osei, click here.