Quaker Valley educator honored for her leadership, positive impacts

A Quaker Valley School District educator was recently honored for her leadership skills.

Susan Gentile has been with the district for more than 25 years.

She began her teaching career as a middle school English language arts teacher and worked as a high school English teacher.

Gentile also served as assistant principal at Quaker Valley High School and principal at Edgeworth Elementary before being named district director of instruction and learning.

Her efforts were recognized earlier this year by Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development officials.

She was given the association’s Outstanding Curriculum Leadership Award at the its annual conference in Hershey Nov. 22.

“I am grateful to have been selected for this award, and I am honored to be recognized by an outstanding professional organization like PASCD,” Gentile said. “It is wonderful to be a part of an organization that strives to provide educators with outstanding professional development and research related to curriculum and instruction that will benefit so many students throughout Pennsylvania.”

The Outstanding Curriculum Leadership Award is presented annually to a Pennsylvania ASCD member who has made a significant contribution in the area of curriculum development. It is to commend the honoree’s involvement and leadership in professional activities, programs, or projects that have positively impacted schools and students.

“The role of Pennsylvania ASCD and its members is to positively impact teaching and learning through quality leadership, and Dr. Gentile is among Pennsylvania’s finest educational leaders,” Pennsylvania ASCD president Bryan O’Black said. “She has made numerous contributions in the area of curriculum development locally, regionally and throughout the Commonwealth.”

District officials said Gentile has spearheaded efforts to align curriculum across grade levels. She has led collaborative curriculum reviews and worked closely with teachers to select the best materials available for students.

She also coordinates and leads professional development throughout the district, sharing best practices and the latest research with teachers in all content areas.

“We are tremendously proud of the award-winning work that Dr. Gentile does at Quaker Valley,” district superintendent Tammy Andreyko said. “She is our lead learner. She researches best practices and quality materials to ensure our students have the best education possible.

“Whether it is welcoming students in kindergarten or evaluating contemporary offerings for our high school students, she is always searching for ways to increase engagement for teaching and learning. We are thrilled she is representing PASCD and Quaker Valley with this special honor.”