EduCurious Interview with Ebo Entsuah: Leading the Way

This week, EduCurious had the distinct pleasure of diving deep with a truly dynamic guest: Ebo Entsuah. Many might know him from his days on the football field at Florida State University, but his journey extends far beyond athletics into the realms of politics, education advocacy, and community leadership. His insights offer powerful lessons for anyone curious about making a difference, especially within our education systems.From FSU Gridiron to Local GovernmentEbo's story is one of embracing diverse experiences. He shared his unique background, including his Ghanaian heritage (his name, Ebo, means "boy born on Tuesday"!) and the profound influence of his immigrant parents who prioritized education and hard work above all else. This foundation propelled him through FSU, where balancing academics and Division I football taught him invaluable lessons.His path wasn't linear. A post-college stint working on Capitol Hill ignited an interest in the political process, but it was a perceived lack of responsiveness from his own local officials that spurred him to take a leap. At just 26, Ebo ran for office in his hometown of Claremont, Florida, becoming the youngest elected official in the city's history. This experience cemented his belief in the power of local action.Why Local Politics is Education PoliticsOne of Ebo’s most powerful messages was the reminder that "All politics is local." He passionately argued against the misconception that local government is just about potholes and trash pickup. Decisions made by city councils, county commissions, and planning boards—regarding property taxes, sales taxes, and zoning—directly impact school funding and resources.His advice for getting involved? It starts simple:Do your research: Know who represents you on the school board, city council, etc.Show up: Attend meetings consistently.Ask questions: Engage respectfully, understand the issues, and make your voice heard. Ebo stressed that even if officials don't agree, they often listen, especially at the local level where connections are closer.Leadership Lessons: Teamwork, Humility, and OptimismDrawing parallels between the football field and the political arena, Ebo emphasized the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and cooperation. Critically, he highlighted the need for humility – the ability to admit when you're wrong and learn from others – a trait he finds often lacking in politics today.His personal philosophy, passed down from his father, resonated deeply: "Your attitude determines your altitude." Maintaining optimism, even when facing challenges, is key to progress. This outlook fuels his current work as Director of Government Affairs for the STEM education nonprofit Project Lead The Way, where he tackles issues like proactively integrating AI into curriculum rather than reacting with fear. It also drives his ambitious goal: becoming a university president within five years to enact meaningful reform in higher education, focusing on critical issues like student and teacher retention.Get Curious, Get InvolvedEbo Entsuah's journey is a testament to the power of showing up, asking "why," and believing in your ability to make a change. His story reminds us that leadership can be cultivated through diverse experiences and that meaningful impact often starts right in our own backyards.Let's take his insights to heart. How can we become more involved locally? How can we bring more optimism and collaborative spirit to the challenges facing our schools and communities?Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other.

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