NFL Player Turned Educator Dr. Omar Easy is the New Superintendent of Wayland Schools

‘Never Give Up’: Dr. Omar Easy Hopes to Make Change as Wayland’s Superintendent

A passionate educator focus on equity and diversity

He is used to overcoming obstacles in the NFL, but now, Dr. Omar Easy is tackling tough conversations about race in schools as the new superintendent of schools in Wayland, Massachusetts.

He has only been on the job for seven months, but Easy has made equity and inclusion a big part of his mission. The former fullback was raised in the projects by a single mother, has his Ph.D., and hopes students can see his story as an inspiration.

Easy was modest about his professional football career, but said, “I played sports at the highest level you could possibly play sports at and that’s not an easy task — it’s taught me perseverance and determination and a really good conception of teaming.”

He said being a good scholar always comes before being a good athlete.

“I had to do twice as much to get half as much. Whatever these kids can take away from me, I hope it is to never give up,” Easy said.

Easy is also focused on diversifying the staff and closing the achievement gap. He said it is not lost on him that he was hired in a predominantly white school district at a time when racial tensions are high.

Easy was executive director of The Academies at Everett High School for the 2019-20 school year. The Academies included five schools within the school that linked more than 500 students with peers, teachers, and community and business partners to a wraparound environment that fostered academic success, relationships, career preparation, and college readiness.

Omar Easy: Life After the NFL

Easy said he’s looking forward to uniting the community around his passion for equitable schooling and providing quality education to every single student.

“It’s always been a goal of mine, I’ve always envisioned myself leading the district and being a collaborative leader,” Easy said.

The Wayland School Committee announced it was entering negotiations with Easy a month before, saying he “impressed us all with his passion for education and his student-focused approach.”

“Most of the time, I’m the only Black person in the room, but it doesn’t bother me. I know why I’m here: To ensure every child in the district gets a fair shake,” Easy said.

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