LYNN — An educational journey that has taken Shingi Blessing Mutasa around the world has landed him in Lynn.
Mutasa, a first-year doctoral student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, is shadowing Superintendent of Schools Dr. Evonne S. Alvarez in order to gain firsthand experience in a school district’s decision making, strategic planning, and implementation. Alvarez was invited by Harvard to serve as a mentor for graduate students.
A native of Zimbabwe in Southeast Africa, Mutasa was the founding principal of Brilla Pax Elementary, a charter school in the Bronx, in 2020. Under his guidance, the school recorded a 27% increase in English Language Arts proficiency from 2024 to 2025.
“Shingi brings a wealth of experience as a proven instructional leader, school founder, and advocate for equity and excellence,” Alvarez said. “His fellowship year with Lynn Public Schools reflects that same commitment as he partners with us to strengthen district coherence and advance our shared priorities.”
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in computer science at the University of North Texas, Mutasa earned a master’s in business administration from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. He then returned to the U.S. and studied at Fordham University, obtaining master’s degrees in educational leadership and teaching.
Mutasa, who completed the Teach for America program in 2011 and taught in a public school three years before starting Brilla Pax, said he chose Lynn for a few reasons.
“The demographics of the city resonated with me,” he said. “I have traveled a parallel journey as Dr. Alvarez as an immigrant and a teacher, and I have a goal of becoming a superintendent.”
The fellowship in Lynn will last for at least this year.
“Shingi has a passion for holistic education that is grounded in a commitment to justice and equity, with a focus on creating transformative learning environments, particularly for students from immigrant families,” Alvarez said. “He brings a global perspective that enriches his leadership approach and deepens his commitment to equity and inclusion.”
Mutasa is living in the Boston area with his wife and two children.
