Shaler Assistant Superintendent named leader of state education group

Shaler Area Assistant Supertintendent Bryan O’Black has added a new title.

He was named president-elect of the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (PASCD), a professional organization committed to the improvement of instruction.

“It truly is a honor to be elected,” O’Black said. “Our mission and purpose has never been more important to school leaders.”

Excited to announce that I have been elected to the position of President-Elect for Pennsylvania ASCD (@PASCD). It is a tremendous honor to lead our organization as we redefine our education system during these unprecedented times! #WholeChild #LeadTeachLearn @ASCD pic.twitter.com/0p5ZgWDjtO

— ??. ????? ?. ?’????? (@oblackb) November 24, 2020

O’Black has been a member of the PASCD for 14 years. He previously was named PASCD Outstanding Young Educator and served on the PASCD Executive Board as the Annual Conference Chair in 2013 and 2014.

In addition to curriculum development, the group works to promote professional growth and quality leadership by providing timely programs to members.

O’Black’s appointment is a four-year commitment. He will serve as president-elect for one year starting July 1, 2021, then president for two years and past-president for the final year.

“Our organization is committed to helping educators leverage strong curriculum, instruction, technology integration and assessment strategies to meet the needs of all of our learners throughout Pennsylvania,” O’Black said.

“During this most critical time in our education system, organization like PASCD must continue to evolve and support our educational professionals as they redesign our classrooms and schools to meet the needs of the whole child.”

O’Black has been an educator for more than 14 years, the majority in Shaler Area. He served as the district’s technology director from 2009-2012, curriculum director from 2012-2015 and now as assistant superintendent.

He is an active member of the PA Association of School Administrators Legislative Committee (PASA), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Tri State Study Council and was named by National School Boards Association as a “20 to Watch” recipient in 2015.

In 2019, O’Black was awarded the University Council on Educational Administration (UCEA) Excellence in Educational Leadership award. He was also a 2018-19 fellow for the Pennsylvania Educational Policy Leadership Center (EPLC).

O’Black earned a bachelor’s degree in education, master’s in educational administration and doctorate in education from Duquesne University.