Paula Giran
Principal, Hance Elementary School

“As a principal, I love that no two days are ever the same. My favorite part of the job is the collaborative spirit that fills our school. I am passionate about working with our Hance team to cultivate a risk-free environment where both teachers and students feel safe to innovate and try new things without fear of failure. Nothing warms my heart more than teachers stopping me to share student successes or excitement over a new lesson except, perhaps, the spontaneous hugs, handwritten notes, and drawings I receive from students.“

John Saras
Co-Principal, Baldwin High School

“I love being a principal because of the strong connections we build with students, staff, and families that create a supportive and inspiring school community. I also appreciate the opportunity to champion innovative teaching and learning that helps every student grow with confidence and purpose.“

Jodi VanderSchaaff
Principal, East Union Intermediate Center

“I love being a principal because I have the opportunity to lead an amazing staff and make a difference in the lives of our students. No two days are ever the same, which definitely keeps the work interesting and rewarding!“

Jennifer Hoffner
Principal, University Park Elementary

“Being a principal is a deeply rewarding journey that centers on the power of connection and the shared pursuit of excellence. At the heart of my work are the students; there is nothing more energizing than witnessing their daily growth, from the spark of a new idea to the resilience they show when overcoming challenges. Their curiosity and potential are what drive every decision I make.“

Dr. Samantha Abate
Principal, Deer Lakes Middle School

“We have an amazing school community! We have great teachers and students in Deer Lakes. The future of education at Deer Lakes is turning “Today’s Learners into Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

Dr. Keera Dwulit
Principal, Avonworth High School

“I have the gift of watching students work through challenges and then achieve more than they ever thought possible. I am trusted by families to look out for their kids each day and I value every minute learning from them! I also get to help teachers begin their journeys and then see them become masterful educators and mentors, guiding students that will change the world.“

Dr. David Turk
Junior High Principal, Riverview Jr-Sr High School

“What I love most about being a principal is the opportunity to positively impact students every single day. School has the power to change lives, and that’s something that is very personal to me. I grew up in a more challenging environment, and school was a place where I could escape some of those difficulties and focus on building a better future. Because of that experience, I’m incredibly proud to serve as a principal and even more proud of the journey that brought me here.“

Dr. Brett M. Bielewicz
Principal, Jefferson Elementary School

“I love being a principal because I get to make a difference in people’s lives every single day. I love celebrating every success, no matter how small, helping kids through big feelings, and watching our community come together around shared goals. Being a principal means leading with heart, creating opportunities, setting a vision, and seeing the impact of that work unfold in real time.“

Dr. Bonnie Betler
Principal, Moore Elementary School

“I love creating a welcoming and caring community where every learner feels seen and becomes equipped with the skills to dream and grow into their future selves. Being a principal means that everyday I am given the opportunity to connect with my students and their families. Those connections and relationships with people are what make being a principal so rewarding. There is nothing better than seeing students happy, learning, and when they return, exited to be here.“

David Campos
Principal, Sunrise School

“Being the building principal allows me to impact the school programming at-large and benefit the entire student population. Working with students is a rare honor and being a building principal allows me to impact the lives of both the staff and students.“

Brandon Whitfield
Co-Principal, Baldwin High School

“What I love most about being a principal is the opportunity to make a real impact on students’ lives, often in ways they may not even realize at the moment. I enjoy building relationships, supporting teachers and staff, and helping create systems that allow students to feel supported, challenged, and prepared for what comes next. Being able to connect learning to real-world opportunities and see students grow academically, socially, and personally is incredibly rewarding.“

Amanda Beckett
Assistant Principal, Chartiers Valley Intermediate School

“I enjoy supporting students, getting to know them, and building meaningful relationships. I strive to make our staff feel valued and part of a true team, while fostering a school culture others want to be part of. I also believe that we all make mistakes, but every day is a chance to start fresh, choose better, and make progress, not perfection.”