It’s no secret that early education helps children achieve greater long-term success. “I’m a firm believer in a strong foundation in education,” said Joe Rosen, a 2015 36 Under 36 honoree.

Rosen, Assistant Principal at Cesar E. Chávez Multicultural Academic Center in Chicago, dedicates himself daily to making this building block accessible to all children, especially those in the low-income community he serves.

A passionate teacher and leader who earned his doctorate in education, Rosen credits his Jewish values, instilled from an early age at home and at Jewish day school, for the inspiration to choose a profession helping others. “Everything I do is rooted in my Jewish values of compassion, of community, and of equity,” Rosen said. “I hope, through my work, that I am passing these values to the students and community that I serve, so that they can in turn do the same with their lives.”

Rosen, 36, grew up in Skokie, attending Solomon Schechter Day School and Ida Crown Jewish Academy. He went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with the intention of studying medicine; however, Rosen found his true calling when a cousin suggested he apply for Teach for America. Being accepted to the program changed the course of his life, and he has since dedicated himself to confronting educational inequity.

“After the first few months, I loved teaching,” he said. “I loved everything about it. It was super rewarding.”

He transitioned from classroom teacher to his current role as assistant principal seven years ago, and immediately made an impact at his new school.

“Hiring Joe was one of the best professional decisions that I have ever made. He is an inspiration to everyone at our school,” said Barton Dassinger, Principal at Chávez.

In addition to his responsibilities overseeing the preschool and primary grade buildings at Chávez, Rosen works closely with teachers, students, and their families. He says he makes developing relationships a priority, and the community has responded in kind.

“Mr. Rosen is so involved that students, parents, and teachers know that from the moment you arrive at school in the morning, he is waiting with a big smile, welcoming the students and calling them by name,” said Chávez parent Jhoana Medina. “Students see school as if it were their home.”

As assistant principal, Rosen has helped lead Chávez to make great academic strides, according to metrics used by the Chicago Public Schools system. After Rosen’s first three years at Chávez, the school was recognized as one of the top performing K-2 elementary programs in the country, and students’ academic growth has consistently continued to improve in subsequent years.

Rosen works seven days a week, 51 weeks a year, spurred on by his unwavering commitment to his students. “Seeing our kids and just how happy they are and how successful they are with our teachers–that’s what keeps me going,” he said.

He gives his heart, as well as most of his time, to Chávez. He has helped build and maintain valuable community partnerships with organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Hyatt Hotel Corporation to provide essential food and school supplies for students.

On top of it all, he still finds time to have fun with students at Chávez. Recognizing the value of sports and arts programming, Rosen started a golf team consisting of preschool through 8th graders. “We are the only pretty comprehensive and competitive elementary school golf team in CPS. Most programs start in high school,” Rosen said.

From the classroom to the golf course and many places in between, Rosen demonstrates that his commitment to his students extends far beyond school walls.

Leslie Hill Hirschfeld is a freelance writer living in the northern suburbs of Chicago.