Shaler Area Middle School will kick off the 2022-23 school year with a familiar face in a new position.
Shaler Area is proud to announce Dr. Shannon Howard has been named Shaler Area Middle School’s new principal. Dr. Howard has been the school’s assistant principal since 2012 and served as interim principal since January 2022.
“I am so excited for the start of the new school year and the future of Shaler Area Middle School,” said Dr. Howard. “My vision is for the school to be a place where all students feel safe and welcomed and are given the opportunity to learn and grow. I see the middle school being a star in our community.”
One main focus for the 2022-23 school year is creating an intervention system for students in to close any instructional gaps experienced as a result of the pandemic. The English language arts and math course block schedules now will include dedicated time for students to receive enrichment or remediation depending on their individual needs.
Additionally, Dr. Howard said she is looking forward to building on the initiatives that the school started in the second half of the 2021-22 school year to create connections with students and teachers outside of the curriculum and increase communication with middle school families.
During her time in education, Dr. Howard co-authored Case Studies in Data Driven Decision Making (2007) and won Walmart’s 2006 Teacher of the Year (in conjunction with Phi Delta Kappa International). She also won the Graduate Alumna Award from Chatham University in 2008. Dr. Howard has served in various assistant principal roles in Shaler Area since coming to the district in 2007 and also currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Point Park University.
Dr. Howard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh, Master of Arts in Teaching from Chatham University, and a doctorate degree from Point Park University. She also received her principal certification from Point Park University and her Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Gannon University.
Dr. Howard has two children and lives in Wexford.