Later this evening, Cohoes Assistant Superintendent Peggy O’Shea will be presented with the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA) Excellence in District Administration Leadership award at their Capital Region Annual Education Awards Dinner at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Albany.
Ms. O’Shea began her administrative career in 1995 as an assistant principal at Cohoes High School. Three years later, she was promoted to principal of Van Schaick Grade School. Since 2002, she has served Cohoes as the Assistant Superintendent leading curriculum and instructional initiatives to increase student achievement.
The award, given for the first time this year, recognizes a district administrator who demonstrates dedication, exemplary leadership and goes above and beyond to accomplish the extraordinary in the region’s school districts.
“Peggy possesses an extensive knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum and student intervention and engagement strategies both on a scholarly level and–more importantly–in the practical realm,” said Superintendent Jennifer Spring, Ed.D., who nominated Ms. O’Shea.
Ms. O’Shea has been the Cohoes City School District’s homeless liaison for many years. She recently collaborated with neighboring Lansingburgh City School District to apply for and win a McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant to provide transportation assistance and enrichment opportunities for homeless students in both districts.
She serves as a board member for the Rotary Club, works closely with the Capital District Psychiatric Center in Cohoes, and is involved in several school-community collaborations throughout the district.
“Peggy makes a tremendous effort to know our students and they know her as well. She is truly worthy of this honor,” added Dr. Spring.
Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at 6:30 pm. The annual event hosted by CASDA recognizes educators and administrators whose tireless energy and selfless dedication are the pulse of our schools.
More about CASDA
The Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA), the Center for School Improvement at the University at Albany’s School of Education, is one of the premier school study councils in the nation. It acts as a catalyst and convener by bringing education professionals together in order to identify and solve complicated problems found in schools. It also offers a variety of innovative programs and services including membership opportunities, professional development programming and technical assistance services that aim to transform school districts, inspire lifelong learning and enhance student achievement. Today, as one of only 40 school study councils in the nation, CASDA is considered one of the oldest and largest organizations of its kind, serving educators and students in more than 100 school districts.