Michael Robert has worked in elementary education for 32 years, in both dual language/bilingual education and Montessori elementary settings, across southern California, Page and Phoenix, Arizona, and the pacific island of Saipan. After 12 years teaching, Michael has spent the past 20 years as an elementary administrator, one as an assistant principal and the following ten as principal of Encanto School, a preK-3rd grade dual language school in Phoenix, Arizona. He was honored to be named superintendent of the Osborn School District, where he has served for nine years.

Michael holds a bachelors degree in communication, masters degrees in multicultural education and Montessori elementary education, and a doctorate in educational administration and supervision. He was selected and traveled to Finland in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools program through the US Department of State and Fulbright Finland Foundation in 2022.
Michael enjoys serving his community in many ways, having served on his church’s Pastoral Council and as a board member and coach of the local little league.

Michael was proud to be a member for ten years of the black men’s giving circle Real Engagement through Active Philanthropy (REAP), a black men’s giving circle wherein Black men are provided with a mechanism for community investment through strategic philanthropy. Michael has served the City of Phoenix in civic leadership on boards of oversight and accountability of the Phoenix Police Department through the Discipline Review Board, Critical Incident Review Board, and is the current chair of the Civilian Review Board.

Michael is married to Siman Qaasim, a leader in the public health and health policy arenas in Arizona. Together they have blended their families with four beautiful adult children, Lionel, Quincy, Safiya, and Raymond.

Michael continues to be a champion for early childhood education, Montessori education, dual language opportunities for all students.