Welcome to Bard High School Early College Newark!

I am honored to serve as the Principal of Bard High School Early College Newark and to be part of a school community where curiosity, academic excellence, and opportunity are at the heart of everything we do. I believe every student deserves an education that challenges them intellectually, supports them personally, and prepares them to thrive in college and beyond.

My educational journey has allowed me to serve students and families across New Jersey for nearly two decades as a teacher, adjunct professor, instructional leader, assistant principal, vice principal, and principal. Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating learning environments where students feel valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Most recently, I served as Vice Principal at Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, where I oversaw instructional programming, school operations, and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Science department. I had the privilege of building partnerships with organizations such as NJIT, Yonkers Partners in Education, and Frontline Safety Consultants to expand STEM opportunities, industry certifications, and career pathways for students.

Prior to joining Newark Public Schools, I was the Principal of Plainfield High School, where I worked alongside an incredible team of educators to increase the graduation rate, improve reading achievement, expand dual enrollment opportunities through partnerships with Kean University and Bard College, and recruit and develop exceptional educators.
I earned my Doctor of Education in Leadership, Management, and Policy and my Education Specialist degree from Seton Hall University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Kean University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers University. I hold certifications as a Principal, K–12 English teacher, and PreK–3 educator in New Jersey, as well as an Illinois Principal License.

My leadership is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and high expectations. I am excited to partner with our students, families, faculty, and community as we continue to build on Bard Newark's tradition of academic excellence. I look forward to an outstanding school year and all that we will accomplish together.

Dr. Shadin Belal
Principal
Bard High School Early College Newark