Administrator named Emerging Woman in Education
March 6, 2020
Administrator named Emerging Woman in Education
The Jean E. Winsand Emerging Woman Leader in Education Award honors a woman who is at an early stage on the path of her leadership career. The award is intended to recognize a woman who has made a significant impact and positive difference through her leadership activities and initiatives.
Mrs. Pfender was nominated for the award by Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools, with support from Dr. Sharon Suritsky, deputy/assistant superintendent.
“Mrs. Pfender has established herself as a talented educational leader within our school district and throughout the region,” Dr. Rozzo said. “She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and a spirit of collaboration, which enhances our educational programs.”
Hired as a special education teacher at Boyce Middle School in August 2005, Mrs. Pfender became the district’s elementary special education department chairperson in 2009 and the following year ascended to special education curriculum leader. In March 2012, she was appointed assistant middle school principal and was promoted to principal of Boyce Middle School a year later. In January 2016, Mrs. Pfender was named director of student support services and remained in that leadership role until her promotion to assistant to the superintendent in 2019.
“Amy is an outstanding leader who has been equally successful in regular education and special education leadership,” Dr. Suritsky said. “She is student-centered, future-thinking, committed to families, and focused on developing effective relationships with all staff.”
Mrs. Pfender was previously honored with the 2018 University of Pittsburgh School of Education’s Distinguished Departmental Alumni Award from the Department of Administrative and Policy Studies. In 2015, she earned statewide recognition for her early leadership skills when she received the Wanda McDaniel Honorary Membership Award from the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators. The annual award recognizes an aspiring school administrator who demonstrates evidence of great leadership potential.
Mrs. Pfender earned a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her administrative principal certification, she also holds certifications in K-12 supervisor of curriculum and instruction and K-12 supervisor of special education. Mrs. Pfender is currently pursuing her superintendent’s letter of eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania.
A resident of Robinson Township, Washington County, she and her husband, Keith, have two school-aged children, Jonah and Emily.
The Dr. Jean E. Winsand Institute for Women in School Leadership is organized through the Tri-State Area School Study Council, which provides support and assistance to school districts, intermediate units, vocational technical schools and charter schools throughout western Pennsylvania. Dr. Winsand, former Tri-State associate executive secretary and associate professor of education at the University of Pittsburgh, passed away in 2001.
