Dr. Robert R Zywicki

Professional Development Coordinator Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices

Dr. Robert R. Zywicki served the New Jersey public schools for two decades in a variety of roles including two tours as PK-12 Superintendent of Schools in both urban and suburban school districts. Increasing graduation rates to over 95%, implementing MTSS for at-risk learners, establishing full-day kindergarten, institutionalizing special education inclusion, increasing access to Advanced Placement, and overseeing $60MM in innovative capital improvements were hallmark accomplishments in Dr. Zywicki’s career. In 2018, Dr. Zywicki was named a District Thought Leader by Future Ready Schools. In 2020, the National School Public Relations Association named Dr. Zywicki a "Superintendent to Watch" for "modeling and leading effective communication technology efforts with both internal and external stakeholders." In 2021, the NJEA presented Dr. Zywicki the “Friend of Education” award for his “extraordinary contributions to education."

Dr. Zywicki was tapped to serve on several state-wide initiatives by the NJDOE, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Advisory Committee (2013-2015), Model Curriculum Committee (2011), NJSLS ELA Standards Review Committee (2015-16), and Computer Science Advisory Committee (2019-2023). In 2020, Dr. Zywicki was a key contributor to Governor Murphy’s COVID19 school reopening plans and the NJDOE’s Road Back health and safety manual. From 2018 until 2023 Dr. Zywicki was the Chair of the NJASA Government Relations Committee and served on the Executive Board of the Seton Hall University School Study Council.

Since 2014, Dr. Zywicki has coordinated the design and delivery of research-based professional development programs and provided strategic consulting to school boards and leadership teams for the Rutgers University Center for Effective School Practices. Dr. Zywicki has also taught graduate level course for Kean University, Montclair State University, and Saint Peter’s University,

Dr. Zywicki received his Ed.D. and M.A. degrees in Educational Leadership from St. Peter’s University’s Caulfield School of Education, as well as, a B.A. in History and English from Rutgers University. He is presently completing a M.B.A. in finance and marketing at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

Dr. Zywicki and his wife have four children. He volunteers as a youth lacrosse and football coach and previously served on his local board of education