Oct. 19, 2016
PSU honors Dr. Rozzo with Leadership & Service Award
Dr. John Rozzo was recently honored with the 2016 Leadership and Service Award from The Pennsylvania State University College of Education. He was recognized at the College of Education Alumni Society’s Awards Banquet on Oct. 14, 2016, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College.
According to the College of Education, the Leadership and Service Award recognizes those alumni who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession, in or out of the field of education.
In his letter of support, Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, superintendent of schools, commended Dr. Rozzo for his leadership and his student-centered focus.
“Dr. Rozzo is an outstanding educator who truly understands best instructional practices and programming for students,” Dr. O’Toole said. “He has earned the reputation of being a considerate and caring leader who focuses on doing the right thing for students, families, community members and district staff.”
Fellow Penn State graduate and 2001 recipient of the Leadership and Service Award, Dr. Sharon Suritsky, Upper St. Clair’s assistant/deputy superintendent, had high praise for his interpersonal, decision-making and communication skills.
“Dr. Rozzo embodies the qualities of an outstanding Penn State leader and service provider in the field of education,” she said. “His top-notch skills have separated him from his administrative peers. During my 22 years as an educational leader, I have worked with many outstanding administrators. None of those individuals can compare to Dr. Rozzo.”
In 2015, the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education honored Dr. Rozzo with its Outstanding Middle Level Administrator Award.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Rozzo had led several initiatives including serving as chairperson of the district’s Strategic/Comprehensive Plan and leading the district’s transition to the new Principal and Teacher Effectiveness Model. In addition, he has presented at numerous local, regional and statewide conferences regarding increasing student achievement and the components of an exemplary middle school.
Dr. Rozzo began his educational career as a sixth grade science and reading teacher in the Brentwood School District. A member of the Upper St. Clair School District staff since 2005, he has been promoted into several important administrative positions within the district including coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, assistant principal, middle school principal of academics and supervisor of middle level education. He was appointed to his current role as assistant superintendent in 2014.
A graduate of Penn State’s College of Education, Dr. Rozzo earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics and science. In addition, he holds a master’s degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate of education from the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Rozzo resides in Upper St. Clair Township with his wife, Shauna, and their three children: Anthony, Sydney and Isabella.
