Peters Township resident receives education award for AIU work
When Janet Breiding started working at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in 1997, she didn’t know what to expect.
Twenty years later, she has been presented with the Friends of Education award by the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
“Well, obviously it’s an honor to be acknowledged by your peers,” Breiding said. “This is just part of my job and what I do every day, but being acknowledged for that kind of honor goes above and beyond me. It’s very special. The awards ceremony in itself was a very special ceremony.”
Breiding, a Peters Township resident, is assistant director of human resources at the AIU. She accepted the award, which honors partners in public education who improve the relationships between school districts and employees, on May 18 at the PSEA Friends of Education dinner.
Sarah McCluan, communication services supervisor, said the award is for those who have stood out to make a difference in education.
“Every year, [PSEA] gives this award not necessarily to AIU folks but by region where they identify a person who has really gone above and beyond the call of duty to improve and strengthen relationships between the school entity and the employees,” McCluan said.
Breiding’s main duties at the AIU are employee issues, but she also works on life, health and disability insurance as well.
“Part of my job is that I work with employees, I manage our disability insurance,” Breiding said.
“When you’re dealing with some of the issues that come along with the nature of that work, just trying to be sensitive to employees who may be in a situation where they’re facing a serious illness or anything along those lines.”
McCluan said employees of the AIU have been recognized for their diverse efforts in the past.
“The AIU is a very large and diverse organization,” McCluan said. “We have probably 1,500 employees in more than 400 locations throughout Allegheny County. We have approximately 130 programs, and we serve thousands of not only students but families and educators every year. Our staff members at all levels within all programs are highly accomplished.”
For Breiding, the Friends of Education award is the first she’s won at the AIU, and she’s grateful for the people and place she’s worked for the past two decades.
“It has been such a nice place to work,” Breiding said. “The organization as a whole, not only is the location a great location, but it’s the people. I can’t say enough things about all of the staff.”