Photo of. Joseph DiCaprio

Joseph R. DiCaprio, Deputy Superintendent in the Schenectady City School District, has been invited to represent New York State in Washington as part of  the national esteemed Advanced Education Policy Leadership Program.  Participation is by invitation only.

DiCaprio recently participated in a policy studies fellowship, graduating from the New York Education Policy and Leadership Program sponsored by Fordham University Graduate School of Education and Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES.  The program was a yearlong program with a focus on strategic policy, leadership, and networking.  The program cohort included 25 fellows from throughout New York State.  The fellows, representing urban, suburban, and rural education organizations, attended monthly  sessions, engaged in a variety of discussions with university professors and prominent speakers in education, and collaborated on a team policy analysis project and presentation. 

“My interest in the program was fueled by wanting to do more for our students and families, but also engaging in areas of content that were not comfortable or familiar to me,” said DiCaprio.  “It’s the idea of leaning into spaces that I didn’t know or wasn’t an expert in.”

DiCaprio said his previous work with policy development was limited and more about understanding a policy in order to comply.  “This opportunity came to me as I researched ways to make myself better as a leader, and it was one that I had to force myself to follow through on, because I knew it was very foreign to me, and the concept touched something I was not good at or well versed in,” he said.  

Only a small number of fellows from the cohort were invited to participate in the Advanced Education Policy Leadership Program coming up in September.  The collaborative year-long program includes up to 35 Senior Fellows from seven different states who will engage in a strategic dive into education policy and leadership issues with multi-state interactions.  As a Senior Fellow, DiCaprio will attend five monthly virtual sessions and an in-person symposium in Washington DC.  

“Never in the world would I have thought my work in the introductory policy program would lead me to an invitation to join the advanced program,” said DiCaprio.  “I am extremely humbled and grateful for the chance to continue and elevate the work and all I’ve learned.” 

“Joe was an integral part of the cohort,” said Lisa Davis, co-coordinator of the NY Education Policy Leadership Program. ”Only a small number from each cohort are invited.  He clearly distinguished himself from others.”  

DiCaprio said the entire experience has been “game-changing” when it comes to his current role as deputy superintendent.  “I feel so much more comfortable discussing not only what a policy is, but how it is developed,” he said.  “The program helped me understand the political nature of lobbying, and that influencing our government leaders truly does matter… it’s how well  you can connect the work with what the aims and goals are of our district, for our kids.”   DiCaprio said the experience has also helped him better connect with the stakeholders that make up Schenectady and the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard as policies are shaped.  

As part of the program, the senior fellows representing a variety of states, will bring a broad range of perspectives as they engage in a strategic deeper dive into education policy and leadership issues.  The Advanced Program begins in mid-September.