Galitsis, Aphrodite

It has been my pleasure to proudly serve the Ambridge Area School District for the past 21 years as an Elementary Principal.  During my tenure with the District, my Principal assignments have been to Economy Elementary, Highland Elementary, State Street Elementary, and Anthony Wayne Elementary.   I was recognized by the Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of “Outstanding Educator of 2012.”

My professional preparation includes a Bachelors Degree in Education from Baruch College, a Masters in Education from New York University, and a Professional Diploma from St. John’s University in School Administration and Supervision.  I hold the following State Certifications: K-12 Principal and the Letter of Eligibility for Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent.  I am also a proud graduate of the Ambridge Area School District.

As an Administrative Representative on the Elementary Curriculum Council, I work closely with my faculty to ensure the integration of the PA Core Standards into our curriculum through curriculum mapping, and progress monitoring of students to maximize student achievement on PSSA Exams and local assessments. Understanding the need to provide enrichment opportunities for our elementary students, I initiated an After-School Enrichment Program with offerings that include:  Math, Science, Technology, Art, Music, Physical Education and Foreign Language, to name a few.

As a service to our working parents, a District-Wide Before and After School Child Care Program is offered at Economy Elementary under my direct supervision.  Students are provided with homework help and the opportunity to interact and socialize through group activities with their peers beyond the school day.

I also had the opportunity to serve as a mentor to aspiring principals and as a Site Facilitator in the Principal Network Program at Duquesne University.  The Principal Network Program combined on-site and on-line learning to future principals.  As Site Facilitator, I hosted these groups as they met face-to-face to further negotiate the understandings they developed through intensive on-line interactions throughout their course work.

In addition, I served as a panelist for the School Administration and Supervision Practicum Seminar at Duquesne University, where I shared my professional platform of beliefs, values, and administrative style to a group of aspiring principals and the graduate school faculty.

My career began in New York City as a teacher and principal.  While in New York City, I was a committee participant in writing curriculum for the preparatory exam for students to enter the specialized high schools, Stuyvesant High School, the Bronx High School of Science, and the Brooklyn High School of Technology.  In addition, I served on committees for the establishment of the Universal Pre-K Program in New York City’s Elementary Schools as well as coordinating Title I services, testing and assessment, textbook selections,  transportation, and I chaired several Middle States Committees during my high school’s accreditation process.

In closing, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Dr. Dean Galitsis, retired Superintendent of the Rochester Area School District, my three children and five grandchildren.