Anthony Asé joined our Board in 2021 as a member of the governance committee, and is now our Board President. He brings with him six years of experience utilizing the BELONG Partners approach in his classroom, and now carries that experience into his position with the Renton School District.
He is a Secondary STEM Facilitator in the Renton School District and also holds a position as department team leader and Renton Education Association union representative. He supports his community as a volunteer coach for Tacoma’s Roller Derby league and has done data analysis for the Equity Consortium out of Seattle.
Anthony has a Master’s Degree in Secondary Math Education from WGU and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from WWU. Truth be told, he dropped out of college multiple times before attaining these degrees. His experiences that lead him to being disillusioned with public schooling are among the many reasons he has put himself into positions where he can shape future generations’ experiences. The system of schooling does not have to stifle students. The system does not have to resign students to conformity. The system does not have to punish those who have different cultural backgrounds from their educators. Anthony has spent his years since attaining his degrees making it so that there are less barriers and boundaries for other students to get the credit they deserve.
What are people most surprised to learn about you?
In the PNW, most people are surprised that I don’t drink coffee. Everywhere else, my big surprise is that I can deadlift a quarter ton.
What is your favorite thing to do?
Favorite changes with my mood, but currently I really enjoy working in my backyard. I’m doing a little bit of landscaping, a little bit of gardening, and a lot of teaching my son. It’s a great way to spend a weekend.
What drew you to BELONG Partners?
I wasn’t really drawn to BELONG Partners (then Sound Discipline) so much as I experienced it. I respect the process and what we were doing in my school. I appreciated the results for our staff and our students. I envision other places that could benefit from the principles of BELONG Partners.