Testa hired as Shaler Area School District director of student services
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Dr. Joseph Testa is now serving the Shaler Area School District as director of student services.
The role of the director of student services is to serve as an instructional leader in the planning and overseeing of school psychologists, social workers, nurses and SAP (Student Assistance Program) as members of a mental health team making services available to the administration, teachers, pupils and the community.
Testa will coordinate health and guidance services for nearly 3,800 students with special education, gifted and regular education staff. He will ensure the development of adaptations and accommodations to the regular curriculum as required by students’ IEPs and the District’s vision for academic excellence.
His annual salary is $115,000.
Additionally, Testa’s department oversees and coordinates the administrative duties related to home schooling, English language learners (ELL), occupational/physical therapy, and hearing and vision services.
“Dr. Testa believes in the critical responsibility our public schools have in supporting a wide range of ability levels to ensure each student is provided the opportunity to reach their highest possible potential,” said Dr. Sean C. Aiken, Superintendent of Schools. “He brings an important specialization in the areas of social and emotional wellness support to our Shaler Area families.”
Prior to joining the Shaler Area School District this month, Testa served the Freedom Area School District for nine years as director of special education and school psychologist. He is a certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor through the Crisis Prevention Institute and a Pennsylvania certified school psychologist through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
“The circumstances of recent years have illustrated a rising need for the development and administration of programs designed to support the whole student,” Testa said. “We will aim to support our students all we can during and the school day and beyond as we continue to extend meaningful programs for the benefit of all Shaler Area families.”
Testa completed his doctoral studies at Point Park University, earned his master’s degree at Penn West California and completed his undergraduate work at Bethany College. He is a graduate of Trinity High School in Washington County and currently resides in the Manchester neighborhood of the North Side of Pittsburgh with his wife, Ashley.