The Penn-Trafford School District is pleased to announce the hiring of new staff at the August 7, 2023 board meeting. They include:
Diana Cardamone, a Penn-Trafford alumna, will teach Art at Penn Middle, McCullough Elementary, and Sunrise Elementary Schools. She holds a bachelor's degree in Art Education from Edinboro University. Diana served as an Art teacher in the Norwin School District for ten years before taking some time off to raise her children and start a photography business.
Teresa Jasiewicz will be a fifth-grade teacher at McCullough Elementary School. Teresa has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Penn State University. She also holds a master's degree in Special Education Pre-K-8 from California University of Pennsylvania. Previously, Teresa taught in the McKeesport Area School District and worked as a classroom instructional assistant and long-term substitute for Hempfield Area School District. She has worked at Penn-Trafford as a tutor, long-term substitute, and student learning assistant for two years.
Alexis Martonik will join the Penn-Trafford High School staff as a learning support teacher. She has worked in the district for three years as both Student Learning Assistant and Super Sub. She is also the head Cheerleading Coach for Penn-Trafford High School. Alexis attended the University of Louisville and has degrees in K-12 Learning and Behavioral Disorders, as well as middle school Social Studies.
Sue Schrinel will assume the role of School Counselor at Penn Middle School. Sue spent five years as a middle and high school science teacher for Turkeyfoot Valley Area School District and was involved as a mentor and SAP team member. She earned two associate degrees in Applied Science and Art/Humanities. She has a bachelor's degree in secondary education/biology from California University of PA, and a master's degree in school counseling.
Melanie Scott will be an autistic support teacher at McCullough Elementary School. She was a Student Learning Assistant in the district for one year. Prior to that, she taught for nine years at Propel and three years at New Story. Melanie has a dual bachelor's degree from Clarion University in special education and elementary education.
Nalissa Tajc will be an emotional support teacher at Harrison Park Elementary School. Nalissa holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from California University of PA and a master's degree in Special Education from Western Governors University. She is also a licensed Behavioral Specialist and certified to teach 7-12 English. She taught in the Jeannette School District for five years, and prior to that taught at Adelphoi.
Front: Alexis Martonik, Teresa Jasiewicz