Averill Park Principal Honored for Outstanding Leadership in Education

Related Media

Dr. Peter DeWitt

ALBANY, NY (04/09/2013)(readMedia)-- Dr. Peter M. DeWitt, principal at Poestenkill Elementary School in the Averill Park Central School District, has been selected as the 2013 New York State Outstanding Educator by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

This award is given annually to a SAANYS member who has made outstanding contributions in New York State schools through public education, professional organizations, and research and/or writing in the field of education.

DeWitt, who has been Poestenkill's principal since 2006, is well known locally and nationally for his professional writings, presentations, and passion for collegial conversations. His most recent book, Dignity for All, Safeguarding LGBT Students (Corwin Press), has received national attention and acclaim. He has also written and presented extensively on the topic of struggling learners, appearing on WNYT-13, ABCNews.com, PBS, and additional news outlets to discuss this and other issues in education.

Most recently, DeWitt has gained national attention as a regular blogger for Education Week, covering current issues in education that include social-emotional learning and connected education. In all, he has published over 30 professional articles and delivered nearly as many presentations for organizations including the Hawaii Department of Education, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and many others.

In addition to his role as instructional leader for his students and staff, DeWitt serves as the Dignity for All Students Act coordinator, as well as the elementary arts-in-education administrator for the district. Commented Averill Park Superintendent Dr. James Hoffman, "I am glad the rest of New York State is learning what we in Averill Park have known for many years – that Peter DeWitt is a caring and dedicated educator who never acts unless it is in the best interests of the children in his care. As a practitioner and through his pedagogy, he exemplifies what it means to be an effective principal in the 21st Century. I am proud to call him a colleague."

DeWitt will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 10, 2013 at the Century House in Latham, New York.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

###