Ali Rabiei, ACSA’s 2024 Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year, has been called the best “wingman” in El Segundo USD, Los Angeles County and the state by principal Rose Ahrens (at left).
Rabiei puts student wellness at the center of his work
September 2, 2024
Name: Ali Rabiei
Award: Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year
Title: Assistant Principal, Center Street School, El Segundo USD
ACSA highlights: Member since 2009; charter communications director, 2009-11; Programs Committee Member, Region 14.
Young parents are understandably nervous when sending their children to elementary school for the first time. They want to know there is a caring adult on campus who will ensure their child feels seen, heard, supported and loved.
Ali Rabiei is that caring adult.
ACSA’s Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year, Rabiei has built a genuine trusting relationship with the entire school community by clearly communicating that student well-being remains at the heart of El Segundo USD’s Center Street School.
Rabiei is known for remembering everyone’s name — staff and students. He has a warm smile and encouraging words for all. You can often hear him say, “We’ve got this, buddy!” He is beloved by parents, so much so that one parent on social media called him the “ESUSD G.O.A.T.” (Greatest of All Time).
These strong connections with others have allowed him to expertly manage situations. When the school recently changed its drop-off/pick-up procedure, Rabiei held multiple listening sessions to hear parents’ concerns. His trademark ability to listen with empathy and maintain a positive demeanor in the face of challenges helps to ease tensions and promote constructive problem-solving.
Guided by the district’s core values, Rabiei is dedicated to continuous improvement to better serve students. He builds the capacity of teachers through the implementation of a professional learning community. He is currently researching best practices for providing a high-quality education to special education students with moderate to severe needs. He also played an instrumental role in the revision of the district’s Discipline Matrix to reflect a social justice lens.
Using his deep knowledge of education, he has advised district leaders on marketing, safety issues and the return of students during the COVID pandemic.
Over the last 13 years at ESUSD, Rabiei has been called upon to fill leadership roles at multiple sites, proving himself indispensable in the district.
“Ali Rabiei is a linchpin for the principal he serves alongside ... as he not only has institutional knowledge, but he also deeply understands the community we serve and loyally serves as a thought partner to the principal,” wrote ESUSD Superintendent Melissa Moore and Center Street School Principal Rose Ahrens. “We believe there is no better ‘wingman’ in ESUSD, Los Angeles County, or our fine state of California.”
“The role of an administrator is never completed in a sprint; instead, look at it as a marathon, and enjoy the run!”
— Ali Rabiei, ACSA’s 2024 Elementary Co-administrator of the Year
What’s your favorite quote on leadership?
I learned this from a mentor and I have stuck to it: “As a leader, you work with people during the day and paper at night.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
There are two things that will get you in trouble as a leader: Blaming your boss and your mouth.
What’s your best strategy for work-life balance?
Remember this always: Your career and job is not to
make a living, but is to make a life. Therefore, intertwine the two. What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator?
Do not get fixated on a task list. A task is there to assist your memory and keep you on track, but never make it into a be-it, end-all. The role of an administrator is never completed in a sprint; instead, look at it as a marathon, and enjoy the run!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have worked from TK to middle school to high school, and even served as a director of maintenance.
What made you want to become a school administrator?
To serve more students than just those in my classroom.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are?
Taking care of my grandparents, who raised me, while attending school to earn my admin credential.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
All the individual student success stories I hear of those students who I either taught or was their assistant principal.
How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position?
In so many ways: From the Curriculum and Instruction Leadership Academy to the résumé and interview workshops to networking. Thank you, ACSA!
Ali Rabiei is known for remembering everyone’s name — staff and students
Over the last 13 years at ESUSD, Ali Rabiei has been called upon to fill leadership roles at multiple sites, proving himself indispensable in the district.