Brief Biography
Principal Sulaiman Akbar is an experienced educational leader dedicated to transforming schools through high expectations, meaningful relationships, and student-centered leadership. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside educators, families, and communities to strengthen academic achievement, develop positive school cultures, and create opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.
He joins SHAW High School with a deep belief that every scholar possesses unique talents and unlimited potential. His leadership is grounded in collaboration, continuous improvement, and a commitment to ensuring that every decision is made in the best interest of students.
Educational Philosophy
I believe every child can learn, although they may learn differently. Schools have both the privilege and responsibility to create environments where every scholar is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
At SHAW High School, learning extends beyond the classroom through the 4 A's—Academics, Athletics, Activities, and the Arts. Together, these experiences help every scholar discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and realize their full potential.
We are committed to developing not only academic excellence, but also character, leadership, critical thinking, and a strong sense of purpose. Through meaningful relationships, high expectations, engaging learning experiences, and a supportive school community, we prepare scholars to graduate ready for college, careers, military service, entrepreneurship, and lifelong success.
Leadership Experience
Principal Akbar has served in a variety of educational leadership roles in both domestic and high-performing international schools, leading transformative initiatives focused on instructional excellence, school culture, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and student achievement. His diverse experience has shaped a global perspective while reinforcing a steadfast commitment to ensuring every scholar has access to an exceptional education.
His leadership is grounded in student-centered decision-making, where every initiative is evaluated by its impact on scholars. He champions data-informed decisions, evidence-based instructional practices, personalized learning, and a holistic approach that develops academic excellence, character, leadership, financial literacy, critical thinking, and real-world readiness. He believes every scholar deserves the appropriate balance of support and challenge to reach their full potential.
Principal Akbar's leadership philosophy emphasizes transformative and servant leadership, collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability. He is committed to building strong leadership teams, supporting educator growth, strengthening partnerships with families and the community, expanding student leadership opportunities, and creating a culture where every scholar is known, challenged, supported, and prepared to thrive in college, careers, military service, entrepreneurship, and life.
A Personal Commitment to East Cleveland
Joining the SHAW High School community is both an honor and a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly.
East Cleveland has a proud history, resilient families, and extraordinary young people whose potential deserves every opportunity to flourish. My commitment is to listen first, build trust, and work alongside students, families, staff, alumni, and community partners to create a school that reflects the hopes and aspirations of this community.
Together, we will build a culture where every scholar is known, every voice matters, every achievement is celebrated, and every graduate leaves SHAW prepared to pursue a future filled with purpose and possibility.
“Schools change when people believe in one another. Together, we will build a school where every scholar has the opportunity to discover their purpose and pursue their future.”
