Shawn Ellison is the Principal of Rocketship Rise Academy. He is a proud native of Newark, New Jersey where he developed a love for learning. He comes to Rocketship from Brooklyn, NY, where he served as a teacher, Vice Principal, and most recently as a Principal in Residence at Coney Island Prep Elementary School. He holds an undergraduate degree from Montclair State University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from The University of West Florida, and comes to Rocketship with over 15 years of educational experience.

The importance of a good education was instilled in Shawn from a very young age, but it wasn’t until college that he realized that he wanted to be an Educator. He believes that all students deserve access to quality education, and knew that becoming an educator would position him to invigorate students — especially those who have yet to discover their untapped greatness!