Welcome Josef Robinson, Nashville Classical East’s 5-8 Principal

Meet Josef: Returning to His Educational Roots in Nashville

Josef may be making his way back to Nashville from the bustling streets of New York, but he’s no stranger to the rhythm of Music City. A proud alumnus of Tennessee State University, Josef and his wife began their journey together in Nashville before setting off for New York.

Now, as Josef prepares to return to the place where his educational foundation was laid, he’s eager to reestablish his roots and contribute to Nashville’s teachers, students, and families.

Why Josef’s Arrival Matters

In his phone interview, Josef articulated his passion for education with clarity and conviction. He spoke of his unwavering commitment to providing students with a rigorous academic experience, combined with joy and creativity. For Josef, education isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about empowering students to find their voice and exercise their choices in life.

With a decade of experience under his belt, Josef’s journey in education has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Starting as a Teach For America Corps Member in New York, he honed his craft in the classrooms of Democracy Prep, where he taught mathematics for several years. Eager to take on greater leadership responsibilities, Josef transitioned to the role of Assistant Principal within his network’s leadership preparation program before ultimately serving as the Principal of Democracy Prep Harlem Middle School for five years.

Endorsements from Colleagues Speak Volumes

Throughout the hiring process, Josef’s reputation preceded him. Colleagues, both past and present, offered glowing endorsements, painting a picture of a leader who is not only respected but revered within the educational community. Described as someone you want to talk to, know, and trust, Josef’s leadership style is characterized by his unwavering commitment to creating an environment where both teachers and students thrive. His keen attention to detail, adaptability, and openness to feedback underscore his dedication to continuous improvement and growth.

As Josef prepares to embark on this new chapter in his career, the Nashville Classical community eagerly awaits his arrival. With his wealth of experience, unwavering passion for education, and proven track record of leadership, Josef is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators alike. 

A note from Josef:

“I am humbled and excited to join Nashville Classical as your new Middle School Principal. It is truly an honor to be part of such a distinguished team of educators in a school that deeply values academic excellence and community spirit. I look forward to partnering with each of you and the broader East Nashville community as we embark on this journey together.

A little about me – I am from Atlanta, GA, and am a proud graduate of Tennessee State University. For the past 12 years, I’ve enjoyed sharing life with my college sweetheart, April. My professional journey over the last decade has been rooted in education, specifically within the New York City Public Charter System, where I have dedicated myself to the belief that education is the great liberator.

I am thrilled to bring my experiences and passion for educational excellence to Nashville Classical, and I am committed to ensuring that our school continues its legacy of high academic achievement and remains a nurturing space for our scholars to grow and thrive.

I cannot wait to meet each of you and to take this remarkable journey together. Here’s to a future filled with learning, growth, and countless achievements.”

A note from Mr. Friedman

Our decision to split NC East into an elementary and middle school wasn’t made lightly. We knew it wouldn’t work without two amazing leaders and I’m confident Josef is the right choice. 

Throughout his interview, I saw Josef had the right head to lead our team—with a high bar and sharp instructional lens—and the right heart. He knows kids flourish in intentional, structured cultures and is excited to build on many of our school’s strong programs, such as our Athletics program, Drama productions, FIRST Habits Team, and more. 

I also want to express my gratitude to our hiring team. Mrs. Scacchetti spent countless hours interviewing candidates and tracking down references. Mrs. Lambert and Mrs. Gauthier took time out of their busy schedules to review artifacts, prepare for a thorough interview, and analyze classrooms alongside our candidates. Finally, thanks to everyone on our team who met with our candidates, welcomed them to classrooms or asked questions. This was a team effort.

More than anything, Josef is lucky to join an experienced, talented team. 

This year, there were 40 new staff at NC East. As of today, we’ve hired 5 new staff for next year and only have 5 more roles we plan to fill externally. Our resident program has created a strong pipeline and teacher retention is higher than ever.  Josef joins Mrs. Lambert – parent of an NC East alum – and Mr. Frederick – parent of an NC East 1st grader – to form a powerhouse team of Principals. I can’t wait to support them and see them make history.