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Murphy Welcomes USCHS Principal to D.C.
In September, I was honored to welcome to my Washington, D.C. office Upper St. Clair High School Prinicipal Dr. Michael Ghilani. Dr. Ghilani was selected earlier this year as the state’s “Principal of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary Principals. Thanks in part to his leadership, Upper St. Clair is the top-ranked public high school in the Pittsburgh area and in the top five percent of schools nationwide. When educators like Dr. Ghilani create a culture of achievement, as he has done at Upper St. Clair, our entire community benefits. New parents look to raise their family here, USC graduates are well prepared for college, and employers can access an educated workforce. Dr. Ghilani began at USC in August 2001, serving as assistant high school principal and dean of students. He is responsible for a number of educational and school initiatives during his time at Upper St. Clair High School. For example, the “9 program” pairs upperclassmen with soon-to-be freshmen to acclimate the incoming students. A graduate of Washington and Jefferson College and the University of Pittsburgh who received his principal’s certification from Carnegie Mellon University,
2013 Pennsylvania Principal of the Year Dr. Michael Ghilani and his wife, Lauren, traveled to Washington, D.C. recently to meet with Congressman Murphy.
Dr. Ghilani also developed the Chinese and Asian Studies program as well as the STEM program. “STEM” is an abbreviation used to describe careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Whenever I meet with local employers, from small manufacturers to global corporations, I consistently hear about the dire need for graduates in STEM fields. Last year, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology estimated our economy will need one million more STEM graduates than currently projected. For students looking to major in a STEM program, the good news is these fields carry higher starting salaries than other professions. For example, a new engineer working in the region’s growing natural gas sector can expect to make upwards of $80,000, $36,000 more than the
Q&A With Daniel Beck USCHS’s New Assistant Principal This fall, Upper St. Clair High School welcomed Assistant Principal Daniel Beck to its administrative team. While the start of the school year is always a busy time, Dan took time out of his schedule to answer the following questions for TODAY, which we are happy to share with our readers. Why did you decide on a teaching Daniel Beck profession? Influencing younger generations in their worldly outlook, as well as their perception of correct morals and ethics, is a pretty awesome privilege, opportunity, and responsibility. I never wanted to view education as something we did to students or for students, but instead it was a chance to work with them. Classroom activities and assessments provide us the opportunity for students to grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Where did you get your degree(s), certification(s)? I received my English Education/Pennsylvania English Education Certificate, K-12 from Duquesne University and my Masters of Education and K-12 Principal Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh. I also have my certification in Student Assistance Programs. Describe your professional career—your job and at what school(s). I began at Berlin Brothersvalley, a small rural school in Somerset County, as the senior English teacher. Revamping the senior project and the English curriculum, and being the senior class advisor allowed me to transform a culture quickly. I was honored to be the keynote speaker at graduation. I was then hired at Greensburg Salem as an 11th grade English teacher. I worked with students, teachers, and administration in ninth, tenth, and 11th grades on many initiatives throughout the six years while there. 32
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Winter 2013
In addition to teaching English, I worked with students in their transition to high school through a freshman seminar course. We worked on study habits, the role of perception in Covey’s 7 Habits of Success, and essential communication skills. Finally, I worked with a group of identified at-risk freshmen in an applied communications course. When not teaching, I coached swimming, helped direct the high school musicals, supervised the fitness center, and attended as many student events and activities as I could in the evenings. I hope to do the same at USC as I am a firm believer that forming relationships are a necessary element in any organization’s success. At my previous school, I also was a member of the freshmen team committee, the student assistance team, and the middle-high forum. What was your favorite subject in high school and why? My favorite subject was Mr. Mark Wallace’s history class. He figured out what motivated me, connected the content to my interest and personality, reached me at the level I was learning, and he always said “hello” in the hallway. Plus, he always had cool readings on the side for me, since he knew he had me hooked. The first was Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. He then introduced me to Kurt Vonnegut and Ken Kesey, but I wished for the opportunity to discuss the amazing criticism with a variety of insights and perspectives of such literature. Hence, my role as an English teacher. Where did you grow up? Where do you currently live? I grew up in Monroeville. My great wife, Kelly, and I currently own a house in Monroeville, which we share with our awesome silver Lab, Leo, although we are hoping to sell in the near future to move closer to USC. What are your hobbies and activities? My wife and I enjoy traveling, using concerts and athletic events as an excuse to check out new cities. The passion for music also is transparent in my vinyl and music memorabilia collection. If I’m not somehow planning an upcoming concert, it’ll usually