Dr. Brett M. Bielewicz, principal of Jefferson Elementary School, is one of 15 honorees of the 2026 Penguins MVP designation.
What is something positive that you want others to know about your school?
Bielewicz: Jefferson Elementary School is a nurturing, student-centered community where social-emotional learning is at the heart of everything we do. We intentionally teach skills like self-awareness, empathy, problem-solving, and resilience so students feel safe, supported, and confident to learn and grow. Jefferson Elementary was one of the first schools to have a Matt’s Makerspaces, which has inspired and empowered students to build their , collaboration, and perseverance while learning that mistakes are part of the process. Most importantly, our families are truly the secret to our success. Our strong home-school partnerships create a caring network that helps every JES student thrive both in and out of the classroom.
What do you love about being a principal?
Bielewicz: I love being a principal because I get to make a difference in people’s lives every single day. I love celebrating every success, no matter how small, helping kids through big feelings, and watching our community come together around shared goals. Being a principal means leading with heart, creating opportunities, setting a vision, and seeing the impact of that work unfold in real time.
In your opinion, what is the future of education?
Bielewicz: I believe that the future of education is built on strong partnerships. Local universities, community organizations, and leaders in the field are the much needed collaborations that connect schools to research, innovation, and real-world expertise. These partnerships allow instruction to evolve while providing supports that nurture academic and social-emotional growth.
By working alongside leaders in the field, Jefferson Elementary has piloted new ideas and created learning experiences that are truly meaningful. In this future-focused model, education is a shared responsibility; one that extends beyond school walls and prepares students not only for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom.