A Message from the Principal …
Justin Zahorchak, Elementary Principal
Education
| Ferndale Area High School | 1999 |
| California University of Pennsylvania Special Education K-12 |
2003 |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania Master of Education in Literacy |
2005 |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania Administrative Principal Certification K-12 |
2008 |
Employment
| Conemaugh Valley School District Learning Support Teacher |
2003-2004 |
| Greater Johnstown School District Emotional Support Teacher, Life Skills Teacher, Alternative Education Teacher, After School Live Tutor |
2004-2008 |
| Ferndale Area School District Elementary Principal |
2008 – Present |
Philosophy of Leadership
The goal of any school leader should be to ensure that all students reach their fullest potential. An effective leader is one who provides opportunities for the staff, students, and community to become meaningfully involved. In addition, a strong educational leader sets high expectations and provides support for all people.
Favorite Quote
"I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my personal approach that creates the climate. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess tremendous power to make a student's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a student humanized or de-humanized." — John Dewey