CONTRIBUTIONS
Dr. Ellis has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance & Economics from Long Island University; he has two Master of Science Degrees: one in Special Education, and one in School Administration and Supervision – both from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York; and a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from the Sage Colleges in Albany: his dissertation is entitled, “The Role of Social Networks of School Leaders In Promoting Better Learning Experiences of Students of Color From Low-Income Families.”
SOCIAL NETWORK of SCHOOL LEADERS
Dr. Ellis explored how the instrumental social networks of Grade K-8 principals in schools in New York State influenced their beliefs and attitudes toward the learning experiences of diverse groups of students. The findings of this research reflect that the concept of social networks is extremely important in all schools. This study revealed that the participants believed that a significant part of providing positive learning experiences for students of color from low-income families is to hold high standards for the students.
The school’s professional development stance cannot be viewed in isolation. Delivering professional development without the formation of a professional learning community can be viewed as an exercise of compliance... As such, professional learning communities are a form of instrumental social network.
-Clarence Ellis
EQUITY and EXCELLENCE
Clarence G Ellis oversees some Central Brooklyn neighborhoods undergoing major population shifts. Along with Clara Hemphill, Dr. Ellis helps us understand both the broader picture and some of the more local, day to day efforts that educators are making to create a more integrated and diverse school community.
"It clicked for me early. These are the kinds of things to teach our staff...to learn about our students and where they come from."
- Clarence Ellis
INTEGRATING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
In a candid public dialogue, Clarence Ellis contributes to advancing innovative public policies that strengthen neighborhoods, support families, and reduce urban poverty within his school district. His policy includes making new families to his gentrified neighborhood feel welcome while ensuring that long-time residents aren’t displaced or marginalized.
“Gone are the days when you could just sit back and children would be funneled into your building."
-Clarence Ellis
VOWS TO LISTEN TO PARENTS
A longtime educator and administrator in New York City who was just appointed to manage 35 schools in Central Brooklyn, Ellis said his first task is to build trust among the area's families, so that he can meet their needs and improve the district's schools.
"Parents have a right to make the decision that’s right for their family. Far be it for me to tell them which route they should take."
-Clarence Ellis
DISPROPORTIONALITY VOICES from the FIELD
In this webinar, Clarence Ellis joins a diverse panel of district superintendents and school administrators as they share strategies and approaches to identifying, addressing, and preventing disproportionality in their schools. Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre, Director of NYU’s Technical Assistance Center on Disproportionality, facilitates the panel of practitioners.
"We must appreciate where they (school leaders) are and meet them where they are. Some may need additional support and some may need to be highlighted as a showcase school."
-Clarence Ellis
PRESENTATIONS
Panelist: Integration in NYC Public Schools – Brooklyn Law School – November 2, 2015
Panelist and Presenter: Disproportionality Related to Suspensions and Special Education Referrals – Special Education Collaborative – Minneapolis, Minnesota – November 3-6, 2015
Presenter: New York University’s Technical Assistance Center for Disproportionality (TAC-D) Kick-off – May 19, 2016
Presenter: New York State Regents on Disproportionate Suspensions and Special Education Referrals for Students of Color – June 13, 2016
Panelist: School Integration Success Stories – The New School Center for NYC Affairs – October 26, 2016
Featured Speaker: REL Mid-Atlantic Understanding Disproportionality Webinar Series, 2016
Panelist: Students in Temporary Housing – Tweed Courthouse, NY, January 12, 2017
Featured Speaker: TAC-D Kickoff, Leveraging Change, 2017
Panelist: Summer Institute Leadership Research Panel, 2017
AWARDS
Principal of the Year: NYC School Safety Agents - 2003
Distinguished Service Award: Staff of PS/IS 323 - 2004
Appreciation Award: Commitment to Learning Community - 2005
Achievement Award: District 19 Community Educational Council – 2006
Friend of Bergtraum Award: Murry Bergtraum H.S. - 2011
Achievement Award: Ebbets Field Middle School Community - 2016
Appreciation Award: Medgar Evers College Brooklyn Pipeline - 2018
Educational Leadership Award: New York City Middle School Principals' Association - 2018
Citation: Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, Eric L. Adams -2021
Proclamation: The State of New York Assembly by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, 42nd Assembly District - 2021
Proclamation: The State of New York Assembly by Diana Richardson, 43rd Assembly District - 2021
Proclamation: United States House of Representatives by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke - 2021
Superheros!
At Vaughn College during our Citywide Leadership Meeting, Superintendent Alvarez and I donned our Superhero costumes representing being Champions for Children. Dr. Muhammad discussed the value of our Equity Agenda. Then we shared bridges and barriers to our work.
A New Playground!
A glorious day during the Grand Opening of the M.S. 354 & KIPP AMP Community Playground. This was a collaboration between NYS Parks, DEP, DOE, SCA, Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, and The Trust For Public Land! This is a playground for children designed by children! Amazing!
RISE Day 2019
Dr. Ellis poses with former first Deputy Chancellor Cheryl Watson-Harris, Deputy Superintendent Shenean Lindsay, and Executive Superintendent Barbara Freeman at District 17's Annual RISE celebration.
Graduation Day
Dr. Ellis conferred Ramapo High School’s graduating class of 2022. Graduation Day is exciting for everyone!
Minions are Teachers too!
While visiting Summit Park Elementary School, Dr. Ellis ran into a Minion, who also happens to be a teacher! It’s teachers like Ms. Norman that contribute to children loving school!
Rockland County Track Meet
East Ramapo Central School District hosted the Rockland County Spring Track Meet at Spring Valley High School. This was the first time this annual event was hosted in the district since 1985: it’s been 37 years! Awesome event!