“What’s your superpower?” is the question that Subschool 5 Assistant Principal Brad Bartosiewicz offers those who visit his office. Whether it’s being responsive as an administrator or hard-working as a student, Bartosiewicz sees heroes everywhere, no matter if they’re wearing a cape or backpack.
Having worked in education for 23 years, Bartosiewicz brings experience from being an applied behavioral analysis coach at the D.C. Public Schools Central Office and an assistant principal at the Burke School in FCPS. He specializes in working with students in special education, as well as supporting staff members. Outside of school, however, Bartosiewicz likes to spend his time trying new cuisines and traveling the world.
“Out of all the places I’ve traveled, I think my favorite might be Thailand,” Bartosiewicz said. “The people were amazing, the food was even more amazing. I highly, highly, highly recommend Thailand.”
Bartosiewicz encourages his students and peers to always pursue what brings them enjoyment in their work and personal life, prioritizing this value for himself by engaging in various hobbies and interests. Particularly, Bartosiewicz loves all kinds of Marvel, DC, Star Wars and Star Trek content. He applies his interest to work by creating connections between these stories and his lessons that help his students process and understand concepts more easily.
“I think when I was in high school, I was kind of a little embarrassed about liking Star Trek and stuff because it was kind of not as cool,” Bartosiewicz said. “It was way before Comic Con and all that kind of stuff. But, I think that as you get older, you find that if you do what you love, then you’re going to find your people.”
Engaging with the different media and characters that he enjoys led Bartosiewicz to meet people who share his interests. Similarly, Bartosiewicz recognized his passion for assisting students and staff across various services and programs, such as Category B Special Education or the Secondary Transition to Employment Program, drawing him specifically to CHS. Bartosiewicz believes that everyone always has the capacity for improvement.
“Take every opportunity to learn,” Bartosiewicz said. “I think that if you’re not learning, then you’re not growing and it keeps things exciting.”
