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Upper St. Clair administrator named state Principal of the Year

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As principal, Dr. Timothy Wagner has often been called upon to talk with community members, prospective families, educational leaders, and other groups about what makes Upper St. Clair High School notable – “the special sauce,” as he often refers to it. He is quick to reply, “It’s the people – the students, teachers, staff, families as well as a supportive administration and school board.” The one role he humbly neglects to mention is the principal.

Wagner has been named Pennsylvania’s 2023 Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. As a state winner, Wagner is now a candidate for 2023-24 National Secondary Principal of the Year, a program of the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ (NASSP).

“Our assessment of your performance as a building administrator and our careful review of the considerable contributions you have made to our profession left no doubt that we had made the right choice in terms of the person who would represent our state this year,” wrote Dr. Maureen Letcher, Pennsylvania Principals Association president.

In earning the honor of Pennsylvania Principal of the Year, Wagner reflects on the daily successes of his staff and students, and describes his role as principal as a privilege.

“To receive this honor makes me think about all of the amazing things that our staff and students do every day. It is a privilege to support the pursuits of members of our school community,” Wagner said. “As principal, I realize that I am part of something much larger than myself. Since I was a young child, USC has represented so much to me — care, community and excellence. It is these traditions that allow us to succeed together.”

Dr. Dan Beck nominated Wagner for the award. USC’s assistant principal supplied letters of support from students, teachers, parents and district administrators.

According to Dr. Beck, it’s Wagner’s humility and philosophical beliefs around collective decision-making that help to make Upper St. Clair High School a special place to teach and learn.

“Every aspect of our school culture is modeled around genuine partnerships with students, teachers, parents and our community,” Beck said. “We work through challenges and celebrate successes together. That type of culture in any organization, let alone a high school, is rare. Fortunately, Dr. Wagner shows us that it’s not only possible – but it can be fun along the way.”

Wagner has spent his entire professional career in the school district – gaining experience at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. In 2007, he began his teaching career at Streams Elementary School. Throughout his tenure, he has also taught middle-level English and social studies and has served as a gifted education coordinator for students in grades 7-12. From 2013-15, Wagner served as the middle school English language arts curriculum leader. He joined the high school administration in 2015 as associate principal for program planning and innovation. He was named principal in 2019.

Wagner earned his undergraduate degree from Washington & Jefferson College, and his graduate degree and doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh.

Wagner will be honored at the Pennsylvania Principals Association State Conference Aug. 6-8 at Alloy King of Prussia and Upper Merion High School in King of Prussia. He – along with other state winners – will advance in the competition for the 2023-24 NASSP National Principal of the Year. From these state winners, three are named as national finalists and, ultimately, one is selected as the NASSP National Principal of the Year. NASSP honors all state principals of the year at the Principals Institute held each year in Washington, D.C.

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