Amit Shah Advocates for Educational Equity as the New Leader at PS 139Q in Rego Park

Nepali American Amit Pratap Shah advocates for educational equity after being elected as a member of the School Leadership Team (SLT) for PS 139Q Rego Park. Shah, a parent of two young children, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to serve the school and the community. ‘This opportunity to serve our school and community is both humbling and invigorating,’ he told NepYork.

Shah’s commitment to education stems from personal experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds. He emphasizes the importance of providing inclusive, high-quality education accessible to all students.

‘My primary goal as a member of the SLT is to advocate for policies and initiatives that ensure every student, regardless of background or ability, has equitable access to a transformative educational experience,’ Shah said. He highlights the need for a supportive and inclusive school environment where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard.

Drawing from his own family’s experience, Shah shared how his four-year-old daughter faced significant challenges upon returning from Nepal.

‘Due to our work commitments, we had to send her to Nepal with her grandparents when she was just one and a half years old,’ Shah explained. ‘As our mother languages, Maithili and Nepali were her primary means of communication. Upon her return, she encountered a considerable language barrier, as she hardly understood English and lacked adequate resources at school. This caused her to struggle immensely.’

Shah acknowledges that many immigrant families face similar challenges, and the language barrier is a major obstacle to accessing quality education, especially in the early days of attending New York City public schools.

‘I believe in equity and excellence for all our students,’ Shah said. ‘While our schools are as strong as they have ever been, our vision of equity and excellence for all is not yet fully realized.’ Addressing inequity and transforming the school system is a top priority for Shah as an SLT member. He expresses his commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or language proficiency, has access to the necessary resources and support to succeed.

As an advocate and organizer of various cultural programs and art workshops, Shah has seen the positive impact of creative activities on children’s learning. He has been involved in initiatives such as the Art for SDGs: the Mithila Heritage Kids Art Workshop, Exhibition, and Awards since 2021.

‘Promoting creative and playful learning in public schools is essential,’ Shah notes. ‘These activities foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence, making learning more engaging and enjoyable.’

Shah emphasizes the importance of collaboration among parents, educators, and community members to shape educational practices that meet the unique needs of students.

‘Through robust dialogue and thoughtful decision-making, we can develop and implement strategies that promote academic excellence while nurturing the social and emotional well-being of our children,’ he states. He also commits to advocating for resources to support teachers and staff in delivering effective instruction and support services.

‘Inclusivity is not just a goal but a guiding principle that will drive my work on the SLT,’ Shah affirms. He looks forward to collaborating with his colleagues to develop a Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) reflecting their shared commitment to excellence, equity, and opportunity for all students at PS 139Q Rego Park. ‘Together, we can create a school community where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential,’ he says.

Shah expressed his gratitude to the entire school family for entrusting him with this important responsibility and is eager to begin working together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families at PS 139Q Rego Park.