Chief Conners named a Champions of Learning finalist
Upper St. Clair School District Chief of School Police Joseph Conners was one of four finalists in the 2016 Champions of Learning Awards in the Leadership category. The awards program, sponsored by The Consortium for Public Education, was held on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center.
Chief Conners was nominated as a Champion for Learning by Dr. Sharon Suritsky, assistant/deputy superintendent, and Dan Beck, assistant principal of Upper St. Clair High School.
“In most cases when we think of ‘champions of learning,’ we think of educators. However, Chief of School Police Joseph Conners is the ‘champion of learning’ for Upper St. Clair School District,” Mr. Beck said. “Chief Conners has been a crucial contributor to creating a conducive teaching and learning environment for all staff and students in our district. He has transformed learning, expanded opportunities and the environment for learning, demonstrated innovation and creativity, inspired students and staff, and is a role model to our youth.”
Following a 25-year career as a Port Authority police officer, Chief Conners joined the Upper St. Clair staff in 2007 as lieutenant of school police and was promoted to chief of school police in 2013. He is an active member of the National Association of School Resource Officers and Safe Schools.
The 2016 Champions of Learning Awards nominating process drew some 50 submissions in six categories including The Arts, Business Partnerships, Classroom Teaching, Community Outreach, Leadership and Technology Integration.
“We were delighted with the number and caliber of submissions,” Patti Hoke, director of school and community connections for The Consortium for Public Education, said. “Our sincere thanks go to all of the nominators for helping bring recognition to our region’s rich opportunities for learning and all those who make them possible.”
This year marked the second year for the awards program.
“The Champions of Learning Awards dinner is a celebration for our region that seeks to recognize those who have dedicated their time, talents and/or resources to create and expand learning opportunities for youth,” Ms. Hoke said.
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Consortium for Public Education is a nonprofit organization that works with school districts across western Pennsylvania on initiatives strategically designed to strengthen and broaden school leadership, engage community and empower students.
