Penn Hills Elementary Principal Kristin Brown was named one of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation’s MVPs.
The Penguins Foundation partnered with the Grable Foundation and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit this year to launch a new initiative designed to honor educators making a difference in their school districts.
Brown and 15 other principals in Allegheny County were selected out of more than 1,350 submissions representing more than 135 candidates to become a Most Valuable Principal.
“It is an exciting honor,” Brown said. “I am humbled by it because I am only as good as my team, and I work with some amazing professional educators, administrators and support personnel. We work together to make Penn Hills Elementary a success.”
Brown has been with the district nearly 28 years. She was a student teacher in 1993 while attending Penn State University. She became a long-term third grade substitute the following year and was later hired as a first grade teacher.
She also served as a school counselor for nine years and as a head teacher prior to becoming principal. Brown lives in Westmoreland County with her husband, Rusty.
The winning principals were selected by a panel of judges and were judged on three main components: the ability to demonstrate an innovative approach to learning, a continuous strive for excellence and a passion for their school and students.
“You could tell in the submissions received on her behalf that she had a community that really rallied behind her and valued her dedication to her students,” said foundation program coordinator Darya Snoznik.
Brown will receive a Penguins prize pack including a travel mug, ball cap, notebook, valet tray and customized Penguins jersey to go along with $1,000 for a school project of her choosing.
More information about the MVP program, including a list of all awardees, is available at pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org.
