Quaker Valley School District communications director Michelle Dietz was recently recognized for outstanding service by a national program.
Dietz was named one of the 2025 EDmarket NexGen Rising Stars by the Education Market Association.
The program honors exceptional young professionals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated passion, creativity and commitment to advancing student success.
“I love getting to know the families of Quaker Valley and building those connections between what’s happening in the district and our families,” said Dietz, 38, of Center Township, Beaver County.
“I think that school districts that don’t have someone who specifically serves in the role of communications often have a hard time with those connections, and with helping families understand how the district operates or why it makes the decisions it does. This role really allows me to have a hand in that. Quaker Valley is a really special place.”
Dietz has been with the district since the fall of 2022.
She served as an English teacher at Beaver Area High School for about eight years, and as an English teacher in Pittsburgh Public Schools for about five years before coming to Quaker Valley.
“I always wanted to have an impact greater than what I could even within the four walls of my classroom,” Dietz said. “I loved my time teaching and will always be a teacher at heart. I really love public education and the things we are able to do for our students.”
Dietz grew up in Enon Valley, Lawrence County, and graduated from Mohawk Area High School.
She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English secondary education and a master’s in administration, both from Point Park University.
Dietz said she originally planned to be a journalist or a talk show host, but thought differently after a few semesters.
She also changed her tune on being an educator while in the master’s program.
“After getting my master’s in administration, I just didn’t feel like being a principal was a good fit for my family and my lifestyle,” Dietz said. “This opportunity to work in communications and directly impact the trajectory of a district through this kind of role felt like a perfect fit.”
Workload
As communications director, Dietz has been instrumental in strengthening community engagement, openness and storytelling throughout the district.
She has led the district’s comprehensive communications strategy for the new high school project and the Portrait of a Learner initiative, both of which have received recognition from the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association.
Information about the proposed high school, including a breakdown of its funding, frequently asked questions and progress timeline, is available on the district’s website under the Blueprint QV section of the “District” tab.
She also helped create a new, unified digital experience for parents and community members, streamlining their engagement with the district.
Dietz has represented Quaker Valley at national conferences such as EDspaces, sharing insights about the district’s innovative learning environments and community partnerships.
Superintendent Tammy Andreyko said she is very proud of Dietz’s accomplishments and is excited about her future with the district.
“Michelle embodies what it means to lead with vision, creativity and heart,” Andreyko said. “She has elevated our district’s communications to new heights, always striving to tell the good news about public education and to highlight the incredible things happening every day at Quaker Valley. Her passion for continuous growth and her commitment to excellence are inspiring, and this recognition is so well deserved.”
Quaker Valley director of student services Jennifer Shroads credits Dietz with launching a district-wide communications periodical for non-enrolled residents and coordinating community roundtable events with local organizations such as the Sewickley Valley YMCA.
“Through her thoughtful and creative approach, she has transformed communications at QVSD in a way that strengthens the connection within the community and places people at the heart of it,” Shroads said.
Rising stars were recognized at an EDmarket Leadership Connect Event in Columbus, Ohio, in early November.
The full list of 2025 EDmarket NexGen Rising Star Award recipients can be found at edmarket.org/nexgen.
