LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Baba Shannon (Sundiata) Mason was nominated by a colleague, Precious Allen.

Rising from a Teacher's Assistant to a Teacher for 12 years and now serving as Principal for 13 years, Mr. Mason's extraordinary 25-year journey at Betty Shabazz Academy represents an unparalleled commitment to educational excellence, equity, and community empowerment. His dedication to recruiting and retaining exceptional educators is both visionary and deeply personal. A passionate advocate for minority teacher recruitment, he has supported the Illinois Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship program. This initiative, which received an $8 million investment for FY25, provides crucial resources to aspiring educators. His efforts have directly strengthened the teacher pipeline, ensuring students are taught by diverse, culturally responsive educators who reflect their community.

His impact extends far beyond scholarship advocacy and support. Mr. Mason recognizes the growing teacher shortage and the immense challenges that come with it, including the overwhelming demand for skilled educators and the emotional toll on those still in the profession. In response, he actively recruits former middle school students and graduates of Betty Shabazz Academy, who have returned after earning their college degrees, to serve as teacher assistants, paraprofessionals, and resource teachers. These young scholars are not just alumni but inspired educators eager to give back. Their return to the classroom helps alleviate staffing gaps while providing valuable mentorship to current students. They carry the torch of his leadership, enriching the school's culture and creating a sense of continuity and hope, even in the face of a challenging educational landscape. Their presence offers a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing and supporting the next generation of teachers, especially in times of adversity.

"One of his former middle school students now serves a second term on the Board of Directors as President of the Parent Council, a testament to his work's profound and lasting impact. This achievement reflects his ability to nurture connections that transcend the classroom, advancing a multigenerational community of leaders who remain invested in the success of our school," said Allen.

His enduring influence on students, families, and stakeholders is a moving reminder of the transformative power of compassionate and visionary leadership. As an annual proponent of Illinois' Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula, Mr. Mason has championed equitable funding for K-12 education, supporting advocacy for resources that meet the specific needs of low-income students and English learners. Mr. Mason continues to support EBF efforts, which push for adequate and equitable funding for all districts. His support reflects an unyielding belief that every child deserves access to high-quality education, regardless of zip code. Mr. Mason has established a culture of continuous improvement that is immediately noticeable from the moment you walk through the doors of Betty Shabazz Academy. The school radiates warmth, love, and a deep sense of community, creating an environment where every student, educator, and family feels valued and supported.

Through robust systems that develop and sustain a shared vision of high expectations, Mr. Mason inspires his team to strive for excellence while fostering a professional learning community that equips educators and staff to meet the diverse needs of their students. His strategic initiatives ensure that instructional excellence is not just a goal but a cornerstone of the school's success. By holding every team member accountable for each student's academic and personal growth, Mr. Mason has cultivated a culture where everyone works collaboratively toward shared achievements, all within an atmosphere of support and collective purpose.

"Under Baba Sundiata's leadership, our school has become a model of strategically marrying theory and practice to achieve meaningful learning outcomes," said Allen.

He works closely with staff and community stakeholders, fostering partnerships that ensure evidence-based teaching practices are implemented and embraced as part of the school's culture. Whether it's through collaborative professional development sessions, workshops led by community leaders, or reflective teaching circles where educators share their successes and challenges, Mr. Mason creates growth opportunities that are both practical and transformative.

His deep investment in the professional growth of educators extends beyond the classroom. For example, teachers are funded to attend out-of-state conferences, pursue advanced certifications, and engage in peer mentorship, all with consistent support. This commitment has guaranteed improved outcomes for students by creating a teaching force that is both skilled and inspired. He has set an atmosphere where challenges are reframed as opportunities for learning, where obstacles become tools for growth rather than barriers to success.

"Through his leadership, our community has become a place where educators feel empowered, students feel supported, and learning is genuinely transformative and impactful. He has cultivated a high-expectations culture, ensuring every student is prepared for a future of limitless possibilities," said Allen.

Mr. Mason sets clear expectations for positive learning behaviors, encouraging students to take ownership of their actions and strive for excellence in every task. His emphasis on social-emotional learning is evident in the daily interactions between staff and students, whether it's a teacher taking time to listen to a student's concerns or a morning affirmation circle where children uplift one another. These practices create a nurturing yet rigorous environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported. His commitment to college and career readiness goes beyond academic preparation.

Through initiatives such as career days featuring alumni, college readiness workshops, and mentorship programs, he exposes students to pathways they may not have imagined for themselves. His dedication has inspired countless students to aspire toward greatness, instilling the confidence to dream big and the resilience to overcome obstacles in their academic and personal journeys.

"His leadership ensures that every child leaves our school equipped with the knowledge and the belief that their potential knows no bounds," said Allen.

His leadership extends far beyond the school walls, touching every corner of the community he serves. Mr. Mason has fostered a collaborative school environment where families, staff, and local stakeholders work together with a shared vision of success for every child. Through initiatives such as family literacy nights, community resource fairs, and student showcases celebrating academic and cultural achievements, he creates spaces where everyone feels valued and connected to the school's mission.

He empowers families to actively participate in their children's educational journeys by encouraging meaningful engagement. For example, it is a common practice to host parent-teacher dialogues where families can voice their aspirations and concerns, and he ensures they leave with actionable steps to support their children. His leadership inspires parents to become co-creators of their children's success stories, reinforcing that education is a shared responsibility. His ability to unite diverse voices, whether a parent, a teacher, or a local business leader, has strengthened the academy's bond with the broader community.

His leadership has transformed Betty Shabazz Academy into a hub of collective pride and progress, where everyone feels a profound sense of ownership and commitment to the school's success. Through his efforts, the academy is a place of learning and a pillar of hope and opportunity for the entire community. Through his visionary leadership, Mr. Mason has transformed Betty Shabazz Academy into a school of excellence where the aspirations of students, staff, and families are recognized daily. He is more than a principal; he is a change-maker, a mentor, and a champion for equity. His leadership has left an enduring mark on the broader educational landscape. His work has not only transformed the lives of his students but also inspired a movement in education that prioritizes cultural relevance, academic excellence, and community empowerment for future generations. His extraordinary 25-year journey at Betty Shabazz Academy exemplifies an unwavering dedication to education, equity, and community empowerment.

"It is with great honor that I nominate him for this recognition as a Life Changer who has inspired others to reimagine what is possible in education," said Allen.