Dr. Jose A. Aviles

Dr. Jose A. Aviles was born and raised in Coney Island, Brooklyn New York.  His parents Mirta and Julio Aviles were the first generation to come over from Puerto Rico.  Dr. Aviles came from humble beginnings, growing up in the projects and on well fare for a time.  Dr. Aviles has overcome his fair share of obstacles. From the physical and emotional abuse he suffered as a child and the pain of bullying he endured on the playground and streets of Brooklyn, these experiences molded him. He witnessed many of his family members succumb to substance abuse and suicide. The pressure of low expectations fueled him to want more and accomplish more.

Dr. Aviles graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. He received his B.A. in Sociology.  He earned his M.A. in Educational Administration from St. Peters College. He ultimately earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Seton Hall University.  He is a brother of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity.

Dr. Aviles began his teaching career in Newark Public Schools working at McKinley and Luis Munoz Marin Middle schools.  He was Vice Principal of West Side High School, during this time influencing many students to achieve more despite the many violent obstacles in their path. Dr. Aviles then became principal of Barringer High School which is the third oldest high school in the nation and the first in New Jersey.  Barringer High School is the second largest high school in Newark serving over 1900 students.  A school with a poor reputation of underachieving, Dr. Aviles was able to influence the students of Barringer High School to excel despite the many socio-economic obstacles that stand in their way. During his tenure at Barringer test scores, attendance and graduation rates have increased while suspensions and drop out rates decreased. A renaissance has truly occurred at Barringer high school where students graduate at a 30 percent higher rate and have doubled the amount of post-secondary opportunities including several Ivy leagues ventures.

Dr. Aviles has been serving students as an educator for twenty-five years and has motivated many to go on and achieve more. He is a mentor for Big Brother and Big sisters and he is constantly searching for new ways to touch the hearts of those he serves.

Dr. Aviles has written several publications on education and is the author of Peer Mentorship in High School a comprehensive guide and workbook on implementing a successful peer mentorship program in your school. His latest book is titled The Throwaway Kids, The 6 Principles of a Turnaround Principal. This book invites you to embark on a compelling and transformative journey through his life—a voyage defined by trials and tribulations and my unwavering commitment to serve underprivileged students amidst a fractured education system.

Dr. Aviles works with various school districts through speaking engagements, workshops and training in several areas such as but not limited to; Trauma Informed Educational Practices, Social-Emotional Support, Peer Mentorship Implementation, Difficult Conversations, Connecting Teaching with Learning, Classroom Management, Student Engagement, Team and Goal Building, Building Perspective, Social Justice and Racism.

Dr. Aviles understands that we can only measure our Nation’s progress by its schools’ performance. 

“Before anything can happen, it begins with a thought. Thoughts are the seeds to creation, but they can also be the seeds of destruction. You must cultivate your thoughts. They are like plants, and you must care for them. They can blossom like flowers or choke the life out of you like weeds.”

   

                                                                                                                 - Dr. Jose Antonio Aviles –