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Name:        Bruce H. Vosburgh

School:       CF Patton MS

Position:     Principal

 

Biography & Statement of Intent:

My entire 29 1 /2 year career has been spent at the middle level.  I am very knowledgeable of middle level organization, practices and philosophy.  I fully support the 14 characteristics found within the NMSA publication, "This We Believe" and implement them on a daily basis within my school. I have attended both PMSA and NMSA conferences regularly for the past 13 years.  I have consistently encouraged my staff to attend and present at conferences as well.  I believe it is important for middle level educators to learn new ideas and to share their ideas with other middle level educators.

 

If re-elected to the PMSA Board, I promise to support the goals of the PMSA and attend all regional meetings on a regular basis.  I also support the idea of PMSA to expand the Eastern Region to include additional regions including the Southeast Region in which I work.

Name:         Dr. Robert W. Houghton

School:        Conestoga Valley Middle School

Position:      Principal

 

Biography & Statement of Intent:

I have devoted 20 years of my professional career working with middle level students.  This work includes my time as a teacher of social studies, as well as time as a middle school principal.  I recognize and whole heartedly accept the credo of the “This I Believe-A Statement of Belief” as a guiding philosophy for me as an educator.  The middle level learner is a unique individual, needing special care as they develop into a young adult.  Having served as a regional board member of the Eastern Region of the Pennsylvania Middle School Association for many years, I understand and support, the “shining light” this organization provides middle level learners.  I fully intend to continue my support of PMSA’s goals to serve the middle level learner through my hopeful continued participation on the Eastern Region Board.

 

American education is facing some of its most challenging times, and most certainly the middle level is under close scrutiny because of implications of high stakes testing and increased accountability.  The middle years are unique and special, and require careful attention from trained professionals committed to working with this level of young people.  Middle level students need a strong, organized “body” to champion their special cause; such is the call of the Pennsylvania Middle School Association.  Having served many years on PMSA’s Eastern Region, I understand and appreciate PMSA’s commitment to middle level education.  It would be my honor to continue my association and service on the Eastern Region Board; to continue the work for the benefit of the middle level learner.

Name:        Dave F. Brown, Ed. D

School:       West Chester University

Position:     Professor of Education

 

Biography & Statement of Intent:

As the coauthor of “What Every Middle School Teacher Should Know”, I support the development of "true" middle schools that are designed to address the developmental needs of young adolescents.  I served on the local planning committee of the 2005 NMSA meeting to help PMSA host a quality national conference for middle level educators.

 

I would like to help the regional and state boards to promote developmentally responsive middle level schools in all of Pennsylvania. I would like to have the board's help in surveying middle level administrators and teachers in an attempt to recover

the original middle level certificate which I helped to develop with PDE personnel in 2000.  NCLB policies have hampered the development of genuine middle schools through their policies on "highly qualified” middle level teachers.  Teaching shortages already exist in many urban middle level schools due to the NCLB policies and present the best possible learning experience for every one of their students.

Name:         Gail L. Heinemeyer

School:        Ridley Middle School 

Position:      Principal

 

Biography & Statement of Intent:

My professional life has been centered on middle level education for the past 18 years.  After two years teaching social studies on an eighth grade team, I moved into administration as assistant principal.  It was at that time that I had my first opportunity to attend an NMSA annual conference and I have been a middle level devotee ever since.  I firmly believe that we service students at the most critical time in their lives and that with an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices, we can address their needs and help them to become successful and responsible adults.

 

I have been on the east region board for nine years during which time I have served as recording secretary and president.  It has been my privilege to represent the eastern region on the state board where I have held a variety of offices and participated on numerous committees

I believe that our organization should be a strong advocate for middle level education and needs to offer quality professional development to those educators who service young adolescents. I want to be able to share my experiences with others and to grow from the professional relationships that are formed with fellow middle level educators.  Serving on the regional board will provide me with an opportunity to promote the best practices for middle level to principals, teachers, parents, and policymakers.

EASTERN region candidates