(Harrisburg, PA)—Joseph J. Foriska, principal of Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals (PA Principals Association), was honored as the outgoing president by his peers and invited guests at the thirteenth annual state principals’ conference in King of Prussia. Mr. Foriska was presented with a plaque and a ring for his exemplary service to the association during 2004-2005 during the annual banquet held at the Valley Forge Radisson / Scanticon in King of Prussia on Monday evening, October 24, 2005.

Mr. Foriska has been an educator in the Pittsburgh area for more than 30 years. He began his career as a speech language pathologist. He then became the assistant principal at Knoxville M.S. and then, Prospect M.S. In 1990, he took his first principal position at Burgwin E.S., followed by principalships at Arsenal M.S., the Pioneer Education Center, Langley H.S. and Thaddeus Stevens E.S. (from 1998-present).

Mr. Foriska is involved in many professional and community activities. He has served as president, president-elect, past president and as a regional representative (West IV) of the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary School Principals (PAESP); president, president-elect and now immediate past president of the consolidated PA Principals Association; and as chairman of the PA Principals Association Executive Committee.

In addition, he is a member of both NAESP and NASSP, past treasurer of the Pittsburgh Administrators’ Association (PAA), an active member of the PAA Meet & Discuss Committee and chairperson of the PAA Tax Shelter Annuity Providers Committee. Additionally, he served as the first vice president of PAA from 1990-1993.

Mr. Foriska and his wife, Diane, have three children, Joe, Jr., Phillip and Shellie. They reside in Bethel Park, Pa.

PA Principals Association’s mission: The Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals is dedicated to assuring that every Pennsylvania child receives the very best education possible. In carrying out this mission, the association recognizes that the early elementary years are most crucial to successful lifelong learning, that appropriate middle level programs are essential for successful adolescent maturation and development and that strong high school programs are critical for preparing youth for successful entry and transition into adulthood.

PA Principals Association recognizes an obligation to make continuing contributions toward strengthening the principalship and the profession. The association is committed to providing critical professional growth opportunities through training programs, opportunities for constructive professional mentoring and relationships, publications, conferences and professional meetings and activities aimed at helping aspiring principals in reaching their goals and practicing principals to hone their skills.