USC educator selected as Emerging Leader
Dr. Timothy M. Wagner, associate principal for program planning and innovation at Upper St. Clair High School, has been named an Emerging Leader by the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. The PASCD Emerging Leaders program recognizes and prepares young, promising educators to influence education programs, policy and practice at the state level.
“Dr. Wagner is among the most promising young leaders that I’ve encountered throughout my career,” Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, superintendent of schools, said. “His intelligence, educational knowledge, passion, empathy and his ability to connect with others in a meaningful way make him such an asset to our school district and our greater community.”
Having joined the Upper St. Clair faculty in the fall of 2007, Dr. Wagner began his teaching career as an elementary teacher. Throughout his tenure with the district, he has also taught middle-level English and social studies and has served as a gifted education coordinator for students in grades 7-12. From 2013-15, Dr. Wagner served as the middle school English language arts curriculum leader. He was promoted to his current position as associate high school principal for program planning and innovation in July 2015.
“Dr. Wagner has consistently been a positive contributing member of our team, and I am both excited for and proud of him for his selection as an Emerging Leader,” Dr. Lou Angelo, Upper St. Clair High School principal, said. “He will serve as an excellent representative of our district and community.”
Beyond Upper St. Clair, Dr. Wagner is an adjunct faculty member in the Washington & Jefferson College Education Department. His scholarly interests relate to curriculum design, leadership development, school-based behavioral health, and the school experience of child refugees.
A graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, Dr. Wagner earned a bachelor’s degree in child development and education. In addition, he holds a master’s degree in applied developmental psychology and a doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh.
PASCD emerging leaders have typically been in the profession between five and 15 years, have a marked interest in making a positive contribution to education policy and practice, and have invested in professional growth opportunities aimed at improving student outcomes. The 2016 class is both professionally and regionally diverse, ranging from classroom teachers and administrators to higher education faculty and educational consultants.
“I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Wagner to PASCD’s Emerging Leaders program,” PASCD President Dr. Jeff Taylor, said. “Dr. Wagner joins a passionate group of educators from around the state dedicated to providing the best educational experience for Pennsylvania’s students, and I look forward to working with him.”
Emerging Leaders are enrolled in the program for two years and receive mentoring and professional development opportunities. In addition, they are able to develop and expand their network of educational leaders throughout Pennsylvania.
“Given the scarcity of public funding sources, we must begin to look at ourselves as not 500 school district silos in the commonwealth, but instead as partners who share resources, ideas, and human capital in order to best serve our children,” Dr. Wagner said. “Ultimately, we are in a service profession, and, as such, leaders need to build a network that encourages, supports, and grows its members. The Emerging Leaders cohort promotes the collegiality that helps us sustain.”
This year's PASCD Emerging Leaders were invited to apply for the competitive program based on self-nominations and recommendations made by past program participants, current PASCD members, and the greater education community. An advisory panel comprised of PASCD leaders, and current ASCD and PASCD Emerging Leaders reviewed and selected this year's class.
The PASCD 2016 Emerging Leader Class includes:
- Lauryn Antimary, Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3, PreK Teacher
- David Beard, Solanco School District, Middle School Assistant Principal
- Martha Dominick, Southern Tioga, Elementary Teacher
- Susan Ericson, Downingtown Area School District, Elementary Teacher
- Patricia Fawcett, PA Cyber Charter School, Director Elementary Curriculum
- Dr. Jennifer Fisler, Messiah College, Director of Teacher Education
- Jaime LaForgia, Discovery Education, Director of Professional Development
- Ed Luckey, Wilson School District, Middle School Music Teacher
- Dr. Ryan McFadden, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, Coordinator Online Education
- Stephan Pron, Boyertown Area School District, Elementary Assistant Principal
- Ashlie Rittle, Littlestown Area School District, Elementary Teacher
- Tamara Stavenski-Bennick, Parkland School District,High School Assistant Principal for Curriculum & Instruction
- Nicole Stulak, Downingtown Area School District, Instructional Coach
- Dr. Timothy Wagner, Upper St. Clair School District, Associate Principal for Program Planning and Innovation
The 2016 PASCD Emerging Leader class is sponsored in part by
www.eduplanet21.com. For more information on PASCD’s Emerging Leaders program or to learn more about PASCD and PASCD membership, visit
www.pascd.org.
