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How Do EPFP Alumni Describe the Program?
The Education Policy Fellowship program provided a unique opportunity to personally meet education leaders and policymakers and discuss with them the tough issues of education reform in Pennsylvania. It gave me the chance, as someone just starting out in my field, to network with the movers and shakers within the Pennsylvania educational arena.
Laura Statler (EPFP 2005-2006)
Assistant Director of Governmental Relations
APSCUF
PA EPFP has provided me an eye opening opportunity to learn about state and national educational policy which ultimately impacts Human Capital management efforts throughout the U.S. Because I believe that children and young people are America's greatest asset and that public education is the key to creating and maintaining a great and civil society, it's critical to understand how government and politics impacts education policy and programs. It's been a privilege to participate with so many dedicated professionals who are truly committed to the importance of education in the U.S.
Colonel Julie Manta (EPFP 2005-2006)
Director, Human Resources Management
U.S. Army War College
Participating in the Education Policy Leadership program is a professionally affirming experience. Not only do you get to meet with the top State officials and policymakers, you get to work with leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions from all over the State. It's a great forum both for validating previous views and testing new ideas.
My experience included interacting on a personal basis every month with the people who develop and implement education policy in the State. Members of my fellowship group included a bureau chief in the Department of Education, education professors from the State university system as well as private colleges, a school board member, district business manager, and a staff member of the State's PTA, and many others of equal stature in their professions. With this much diversity in backgrounds, creative thinking occurs spontaneously and consensus follows spirited and stimulating discussion.
I'd do it again if they'd let me.
Dr. Robert J. Vadella (EPFP 2005-2006)
Superintendent
Forest City Regional School District
The EPLC Fellowship Program is truly one of the most powerful learning experiences in the study of state educational policy that one can find anywhere. The presentations from state education policymakers combined with a highly diverse group of fellowship program participants create a program that is rich in program content and rewarding in the new friendships established.
Jim Buckheit (EPFP 2004-2005)
Executive Director
Pennsylvania State Board of Education
The EPLC program is, by far, the most valuable professional development experience that I have attended in my 15 years in public education. I have formed networks with professionals outside of public education that I did not expect to find. I have explored topics and contemplated problems that I did not expect to encounter. I have stretched my mind in ways that have caused me to open myself up to new ideas and new ways of thinking.
Amy Stewart (EPFP 2005-2006)
Director of Technology / Information Management
Warren County School District
The EPFP provides young leaders with the opportunity to learn policy, fellowship with key educational leaders around the Commonwealth and develop necessary leadership skills that will impact and influence their community.
Lisa Waller (EPFP 2005-2006)
Director, SciTech High School
Harrisburg School District
The monthly EPFP sessions are frequently the highlight of my month. Everything about this program is first class . . . right down to the refreshments! EPLC brings in a truly impressive group of speakers who ARE the experts. If the subject matter experts somehow miss a point, then your very talented "Fellow" colleagues, or the exceptional EPLC staff, always fill in the blanks. Regardless of your role in the education field, this program offers something that will appeal to your professional and/or personal interests.
Colonel Elton Manske (EPFP 2005-2006)
Director for Plans and Operations
U.S. Army War College
During my year as a fellow in the EPLC, my eyes were opened to the critical importance of educator involvement in policy processes. I specifically recall hearing Dr. Jerry Zahorchak and Dr. Bob Feir speak of serving as School Board Directors. As a direct result of this learning on my part, I made a personal commitment to "practice what I preach" and to follow in their footsteps. I ran for a school board position in the Brentwood Boro School District in November, 2004. I won the seat, and now serve as a Board Director for the Boro of Brentwood. Further, I am presently the Chairperson of the Policy Committee and the PSBA Representative for the board. Through serving in these capacities, I seek to contribute to the students, parents, and community members of my district and of the Commonwealth. None of this would have happened were it not for my fellowship in the EPLC.
Dr. Claudia A. Balaich (EPFP 2003-2004)
Assistant Professor
Teacher Quality Enhancement Project Director
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
The Fellowship Program provides a forum for a variety of people in the education field. It was eye-opening to see issues from so many points of view.
Jennifer Waltz (EPFP 2005-2006)
Executive Director
Pennsylvania PTA
The EPLC Fellowship program brings together a diverse group of education stakeholders who discuss and debate issues that are important to the field of education. It is a stimulating learning experience for all participants.
James R. Weaver (EPFP 2001-2002)
President
Pennsylvania State Education Association
This program has not only provided me the impetus
to become more proactive in the development of policy for
Higher Education but has re-kindled my motivation as a public
servant. Thank you for this opportunity.
Aimee Alapack (EPFP 2004-2005)
Assistant Vice President, Technology Services Research and
Policy Analysis, AES/PHEAA
As a public school teacher, I sometimes feel
isolated in trying to meet all of my student's needs. The
Fellowship Program has shown me that there is a wonderful
network of support for my students and me. When teachers,
administrators, education agencies, school board members, and
the army work together, the synergism is incredible. This year
provided me with one of the best professional and personal
growth opportunities of my career.
Ann Schweighofer (EPFP 2004-2005)
Instructional Support Teacher
Wayne Highlands School District
Thanks for the opportunity to participate in an
incredible and enlightening experience. This was a real
hands-on and behind the scenes look at educational issues, how
the education system works and sometimes why it doesn't, from
the leaders and experts who really know.
Jeff Foreman (EPFP 2004-2005)
Chief of Staff
PA House of Representatives
The EPFP program and cohort model has been one of
the most significant and relevant educational experiences I
have had in my educational career of over 40 years. Being
surrounded by colleagues whose expertise spans political,
educational, social and civic acumen and advocacy has enabled
each participant to self-reflect on their ability to become
real change agents for beneficial social and political policy.
I am honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to
participate is such a synergistic program.
Al Grande (EPFP 2004-2005)
Assistant Professor of Educational Administration
Gwynedd-Mercy College
The EPFP brings the educator to the next level and
converts conversation into commitment. No educator's training
is complete without this experience.
Tom Chapman (EPFP 2004-2005)
Superintendent
Reading School District
The EPFP immerses Fellows in a unique blend of
education policy, analysis, national networking and leadership
training. As a direct result of EPFP, I've developed
relationships with Fellows throughout Pennsylvania and in
several other states (including program alumni). Anyone
serious about education policy and leadership will find EPFP
benefits far exceed the required investment.
Brian Petula (EPFP 2003-2004)
Corporate Director
Future Connect
There is no better way to gain a more thorough and integrated
understanding of policy options in Pennsylvania's complex educational
systems than to participate in the Education Policy Fellowship
Program. It is a superb way to break down barriers of geography,
specialization, and life experience in order to focus on the needs
of 21st Century students.
Representative Mark Cohen (EPFP 2002-2003)
Chairman, House Democratic Caucus
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
I have participated in numerous professional development programs
during my 30 years as an administrator and none of them have
provided me with so much relevant information that could be
immediately applicable to my administrative position.
Dr. Mary Frances Archey (EPFP 2002-2003)
Dean of Arts and Sciences
Community College of Allegheny County - South Campus
The EPLC Fellows program has been educational, motivational,
and the best professional development experience of my life.
It enhanced my role as a state leader and gave me the opportunity
to network with so many people who believe in public education
and the future of children in Pennsylvania.
Carol S. Ritter (EPFP 2002-2003)
President, Pennsylvania PTA
Board Member, Northampton School District
This program provided a wonderful opportunity to listen and
learn from different perspectives as we work together to improve
educational results for all children.
Dr. Frances Warkomski (EPFP 2002-2003)
Director, Bureau of Special Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
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to the Education Policy Fellowship Program homepage.
Click here to
return to The Education Policy and Leadership Center homepage.
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