Dr. Fareeda Shabazz Anderson

Dr. Fareeda Shabazz-Anderson is the Principal of Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, Chicago’s top-ranked public high school and a nationally recognized model of academic excellence. A transformational educator and culture builder—widely known as “the Dancing Principal”—she leads with a commitment to equity, global learning, student voice, and joyful school communities. 

With more than two decades in urban education, Dr. Shabazz-Anderson has spearheaded school redesign, leadership development, instructional innovation, and international partnerships. As the founding principal of Richard T. Crane Medical Preparatory High School, she launched Illinois’ first Early College STEM Health Sciences high school. At Payton, she continues to advance strategic planning, global exchange initiatives, and leadership pipelines for emerging school leaders. 

Dr. Shabazz-Anderson holds degrees from Howard University, National Louis University, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Columbia University Teachers College. She is also a Northwestern University Principal Fellow and Cahn Distinguished Principal. 

A proud wife and mother, she is driven by a personal and professional mission to ensure that every student is inspired to lead with purpose in a global society.