June 2014

TO:  News Editor/News Director

CONTACT:   Sheri L. Thompson, Director of Communications
Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals
122 Valley Road
P.O. Box 39
Summerdale, PA 17093
(717) 732-4999 (Phone)
(717) 732-4890 (Fax)
sherit@paprincipals.org

RELEASE:     UPON RECEIPT

Joseph H. Clapper, D.Ed., Hired as Assistant Executive Director of State Principals’ Association

The Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals (PA Principals Association) is pleased to announce the hiring of Joseph H. Clapper, D.Ed., as the assistant executive director. Dr. Clapper brings more than 30 years in public education to the association.

Dr. Clapper will retire this summer from the Quaker Valley School District, Sewickley, Pa., as superintendent of schools. He has held that position since 2007. Prior to this position, he served as superintendent of schools in the North Hills School District in Pittsburgh, and as the assistant superintendent of Quaker Valley School District. He also has experience as a high school and elementary school principal, assistant principal, supervisor of instruction, elementary teacher and secondary English/reading teacher.

In addition, Dr. Clapper was an assistant professor of education at Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pa., teaching undergraduate coursework in educational psychology, foundations of education, elementary and secondary instructional methods and early childhood education, as well as a field experience coordinator and staff development instructor for The Pennsylvania State University. While in this position, he created a new student teaching center in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.

“I am thrilled about this unique opportunity to advocate for our profession on behalf of the members of PA Principals Association. I am proud to represent PA Principals Association and will do my part to improve educational opportunities for students and educators across the Commonwealth.”

Dr. Clapper has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his highly esteemed career in education, such as the Penn State Leadership and Service Award (which will be awarded in October 2014); the Tri-State Distinguished Educator Award (March 2014); the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrator’s (PASA) Award for Service to the Profession (2013); and the William E. Caldwell Award for Excellence in Administration and Supervision from the Pennsylvania School Study Council (2013). He currently serves on PASA’s Board of Governors; as the chairperson of the Leadership Services Team for the superintendents in the Allegheny Intermediate Unit; and is the Superintendent of Record for the Parkway Career and Technology Center. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s State Assessment Advisory Committee, the American Association of School Administrators, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, among others.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in education and a master’s degree in educational administration from Shippensburg University. He earned his doctorate of education in curriculum and instruction from The Pennsylvania State University.

 Dr. Clapper is married to Dr. Christy Clapper, who is a retired school counselor. Their daughter, Laura, will be pursuing her doctorate in music in the fall at Florida State University.

 Dr. Clapper is scheduled to begin his duties at PA Principals Association in August, which will include advocacy work for the association; providing assistance to members via professional advice and referring legal matters, where appropriate; and assisting with professional development needs for members.

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