Created in 2008, the Dr. Howard Jack Outstanding Public Educator Award recognizes a local public educator who has displayed the ability to inspire children from all backgrounds and abilities, who has earned the respect of colleagues, students, and parents, and who is actively engaged in the community.
About Dr. Howard Jack
Dr. Howard Jack, a WWII veteran, was a lifelong learner with a BA in Education from Washington & Jefferson College and his MA and doctoral degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He began teaching at East Washington High School in 1947, later becoming a principal at Hampton High School and Thomas Jefferson High School. In 1965, he became the superintendent at Peters Township High School, serving until his retirement in 1983. Dr. Jack was a Founding Trustee and past Chairman of the Washington County Community Foundation Board of Trustees. He was also a Founding Director of the Economic Education Foundation. Among many other community organizations, he was very involved with Rotary International, United Way of Washington County, Peters Township Chamber of Commerce, Washington City Mission, and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Eligibility:
All primary and secondary public school educators, including certified teachers, school administrators, and other educators, who support public education in grades K-12 in Washington County.
Criteria for Teacher/Other Educator:
- Has a positive relationship with students both in and out of the classroom.
- Is well-prepared for class and uses a wide variety of techniques to stimulate students to think, to respond, to feel, and to learn.
- Is able to teach all children, from motivated to at-risk students.
- Has earned the respect of other staff, and serves in a leadership or mentoring role for other teachers.
- Is actively involved in the community.
Criteria for Administrator:
- Has a positive relationship with all constituencies and is approachable by all.
- Commitment to young people and staff goes beyond the school day.
- Is a strong leader who is constantly looking at the effectiveness of his/her school or department; possesses strong human relations and communications skills.
- Is well-organized and possesses an ability to handle crisis in an expeditious manner.
- Is actively involved in the community.