June 6, 2022

Erin Peterson named Fort Couch principal

A familiar face has been tapped to lead Fort Couch Middle School following the retirement of its longtime principal, Joe DeMar. Erin Peterson, who has served as the school’s assistant principal since 2013, has been promoted to principal, effective July 1, 2022. The Upper St. Clair School Board approved the appointment during its meeting on Monday, June 6, 2022.

“With more than 20 years of middle school experience Mrs. Peterson is the right choice to lead Fort Couch Middle School,” Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools, said. “Her proven leadership skills, collaborative nature and passion for middle level education will ensure the school’s continued success.”  

Mrs. Peterson joined the Fort Couch staff in 2006. She has served as an English/language arts (ELA) teacher, reading specialist, curriculum leader for middle school ELA, and Professional Learning Community facilitator before ascending to assistant principal in 2013.

In March 2021, Mrs. Peterson was recognized with the Leonard R. Ference Outstanding Administrator Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Middle Level Educators (PAMLE). The award honors administrators who value, understand and support middle level education practices that promote powerful learning for young adolescents.

A graduate of Grove City College, Mrs. Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education. She earned her master’s degree in education for reading and language arts from Duquesne University, where she is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership.

A resident of Upper St. Clair, Mrs. Peterson and her husband, Shane, have two school-aged children – James and Katherine.

Mrs. Peterson will take over for retiring Principal Joe DeMar, who has served as Fort Couch Middle School principal for the last 19 years. Before taking the helm at Fort Couch, he served as assistant principal at Upper St. Clair High School for seven years and at Fort Couch for two years. Mr. DeMar is the 2020 recipient of the Champion of Learning Award in the leadership category from the Consortium for Public Education and the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.