Dr. Edward Aldarelli, the superintendent of the Edison Township Public Schools, has dedicated his career to transforming the educational landscape of Edison. With a foundation built on hard work and access to education, Aldarelli’s journey to leadership is a testament to his unwavering commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for all learners.

Aldarelli’s inspiration to pursue a career in education stems from his upbringing in a family of educators.

“My mother was a teacher for over twenty-five years, and my father was a high school business teacher,” he said. This familial legacy instilled him a deep respect for the profession of teaching and the desire to make a difference in the lives of students. “I saw the opportunity to become the superintendent of Edison schools, and I knew I had to apply,” he reflected on his journey to leadership.

Furthermore, his inspiration to pursue a leadership role in education was solidified during his teaching years.

“The moment that you step foot and control your own class and like it—that’s when you know,” Aldarelli recalled. At just twenty-one years old, he recognized his passion lay in making a difference in the lives of students, both in and beyond the classroom.

Over the years, this passion translated into an unwavering commitment for public education and student growth. For Aldarelli, the most rewarding aspect of his role is witnessing the growth and achievements of young people.

“Watching students thrive and succeed in their academic and personal lives is what drives me,” he said.

His leadership values are rooted in vision, empathy, and integrity. He believes that a strong leader must set clear objectives, foster a positive environment, and reflect on one’s effectiveness. A good leader should also, he adds, seek the company of inspiration and agency.

“You have to surround yourself with smart, creative people who can execute the vision,” he said. His leadership philosophy is guided by a commitment to making decisions that are in the best interest of students, even when faced with challenges. “Every decision I make is in the best interest of kids—that is my north star,” he added, underscoring his dedication to the district’s success.

Integrity plays a crucial role in Aldarelli’s leadership style. “If you don’t lead with a moral or ethical compass, there’s no way that you’re going to establish trust amongst the individuals that you work alongside, amongst students, amongst parents, amongst the entire community”, he says. He prioritizes transparency and accountability, ensuring that both staff and students feel valued and heard.

As superintendent, Aldarelli navigates the complex interplay of student needs, teacher support, and community expectations. Through strategic planning, he ensures that academic rigor is balanced with student wellness and teacher satisfaction. “Our job is to provide the best quality piece that we can without making it too overwhelming,” he noted. “Balancing it is very, very tricky. My most important focus is students.” By equipping teachers with the necessary tools and support, he enables them to create enriching learning experiences for students.

Like any leader, Aldarelli has faced significant challenges in his career. One of the most unexpected yet demanding responsibilities he highlighted, jokingly, was deciding to call a snow day—a decision that requires coordination with multiple members of the community and careful consideration of safety concerns. “Calling a snow day is tough. If there’s three feet of snow, it’s a no-brainer. But when there is a 60% chance of two inches between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m., it all depends on timing. I have to think about high school students driving, their parents getting to work, and the impact on childcare,” he said.

Beyond logistical challenges, navigating the educational landscape in unprecedented events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, required resilience and adaptability. “During COVID, we had to make medical decisions with no precedent, balancing the safety concerns of students, staff, and parents,” said Aldarelli.

Despite his demanding schedule, Aldarelli makes it a priority to stay connected with students and educators. He actively visits schools, attends extracurricular events, and meets with principals to understand the evolving needs of the district. “You have to carve it out. You have to make a conscious effort to do so,” he said. “I make sure to schedule time in school. I’ll go meet with a principal, take a tour, and check out something innovative.”

Motivation, he believes, comes from discipline and a supportive work culture. “We have an all-star staff, and a great culture here in Edison,” he said. “I love coming to work each and every day.”

For those looking to make an impact in their community, his advice is simple.

“Do what interests you. If you follow something you really love, you’ll work hard at it and excel.”