Meet Justin Cerenzia
Justin Cerenzia
Buckley Executive Director, Center for Teaching & Learning—The Episcopal Academy
MSA: Tell us a little about yourself. How did you land in the world of education and what has your journey entailed?
Justin: I didn't always love school—but I've always loved learning. To me, that gap highlights something crucial about how schools operate, or maybe how they ought to operate. My journey in education has been marked by saying "yes" to new challenges, staying endlessly curious, and nurturing a deep-rooted commitment to meaningful work, whatever form it takes. Above all, I’ve always prioritized viewing education from the student’s perspective, aiming to design learning experiences that resonate with their innate curiosity and potential.
MSA: Thanks for sharing that with us. Could you tell us what motivates you to work in the field of education?
Justin: I'm deeply curious, and education allows me to keep learning new things every single day—it's a job that constantly satisfies my intellectual curiosity. But beyond that, education uniquely offers a chance to make a lasting impact on the world. Every student interaction has the potential to ripple outward, influencing lives, communities, and even generations over time. That's incredibly motivating to me.
MSA: Could you describe a specific change project you have been a part of. What were the main obstacles? How did you overcome them?
Justin: A specific change project that stands out was pivoting our boarding school's entire operation during the onset of COVID-19. The obstacles? Honestly, everything—from transitioning quickly to remote learning, maintaining community and connection in a boarding environment, to navigating health protocols. We overcame these challenges by leaning hard into an experimenter's mindset, rapidly learning and adapting as we went. We communicated clearly and gave everyone the tools and space they needed to prepare. We stayed nimble, pivoted when necessary, and met uncertainty with pragmatic optimism and an unwavering belief in our community's ability to rise to the occasion.
MSA: What author / book / podcast has played an important role in your professional development? And perhaps share 1-2 valuable nuggets of wisdom you have gleaned.
Justin: Range by David Epstein has profoundly shaped my thinking and development. Epstein explores the power of being a generalist in an increasingly specialized world, emphasizing exactly why a liberal arts education matters. Two insights have particularly stuck with me: first, the immense value of joy and play in any intellectual setting; and second, the importance of approaching challenges with an intent to make sense, rather than immediately rushing to decisions. It's taught me to hold my hunches lightly, embracing curiosity and thoughtful inquiry over quick fixes or premature certainty.
MSA: What is a critical topic / question in education that everyone will have to attend to in the future?
Justin: A critical question we'll all need to grapple with is how artificial intelligence will influence the very purpose and daily practice of schools. As AI tools rapidly advance, their potential impact on teaching, learning, and assessment becomes both profound and unpredictable. But the future of education isn’t about predicting where AI will take us—it’s about intentionally designing where we want to go. It’s up to us to thoughtfully shape this integration, ensuring AI enhances rather than undermines our educational goals.
MSA: Thank you for sharing your change story with us Justin!
Contact: jcerenzia@episcopalacademy.org | Linked In
