Awards
One of the many valuable services we provide for our members is an opportunity to award educators that have made a difference both in the classroom and in the community. We encourage you to check out the awards below.
PARSS Education Awards
The purpose of the Educator of the Year Award is to recognize an employee from a PARSS member district who makes a positive and continuous impact on public education in their school and community.
The purpose of the PARSS Advocacy Award is to recognize outstanding leadership in legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of school districts consistent with the education policies supported by the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools.
2023–2024 PARSS Advocacy Award
PARSS Executive Director, Dr. Edward Albert, presents the PARSS Advocacy Award to Mr. David McAndrew, Jr., Superintendent of Panther Valley School District.
2022–2023 PARSS Advocacy Award
PARSS Executive Director, Dr. Edward Albert, presents the PARSS Advocacy Award to Dr. Joseph Clapper, Assistant Executive Director of PARSS.
2022–2023 PARSS Advocacy Award
PARSS Executive Director, Dr. Edward Albert, presents the PARSS Advocacy Award to Mr. Matthew Splain, Superintendent of the Otto-Eldred School District.
2020–2021 Educator of the Year Award
PARSS Executive Director, Dr. Edward Albert, presents the Educator of the Year Award to Mrs. Stephanie Tarby, school counselor at Juanita Elementary in the DuBois Area School District. Also pictured are Wendy Benton, superintendent, and Barbara Jo Smith, principal.
2019–2020 PARSS Advocacy Award
PARSS Executive Director, Dr. Edward Albert, presents the PARSS Advocacy Award to Dr. John Zesiger, Superintendent of Moshannon Valley School District.
2019–2020 Educator of the Year Award
PARSS Executive Director, Dr. Edward Albert, presents the Educator of the Year Award to Ms. Jodi English, from the Jersey Shore Area School District. Pictured from left to right are Dr. Ulmer, superintendent; Steven Keen, principal; Jodi English; Dr. Edward Albert; and Dr. Elizabeth Segraves, assistant principal.
2019 Educator of the Year Award
"I am extremely thankful to be honored by PARSS for doing a job I love. None of it would be possible without the amazing team that works with me every day to help students reach their potential." - Susan Kilmer
Susan Kilmer is accepting the award from Dr. Bottiglieri, superintendent of Wyalusing.
2018 Educator of the Year Award
“Using our story as a springboard for shaping education reform can give us insight into our past and secure our future. This story starts in rural America, with those of us who can influence this narrative at its heart. This story starts with you.” - Wade Owlett
Wade Owlett is accepting the award from Executive Director Dr. Edward Albert.