PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools announced today that Mina Levenson, a Spanish teacher with the Pittsburgh Public Schools, is a recipient of this year’s Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award.
“Middle States volunteers share a passion for improving education worldwide and making a difference for schools and students across the globe,” said Henry G. Cram, Ed.D., president of the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. “I thank Mina Levenson for her contributions to Middle States and to the broader education community. Her work helps schools and students everywhere.”
Presented annually, the Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes a dedicated volunteer who has advanced the mission of the Middle States Association to foster continuous school improvement through accreditation so all students receive the highest quality education possible. Volunteers serve on accreditation teams that evaluate schools based on an established set of protocols and standards designed to reflect best practices in education.
Nicklas served as the executive director Middle States Commissions on Secondary Schools from 2002 to 2005 and was a member of the staff since 1993. She remains a dedicated educator, who views accreditation as one of the most effective forms of evaluation available to schools.
Levenson has been a volunteer for Middle States since 1993 and has served as a team member on several school visits. She been teaching for over 40 years and is a five-time winner of the Who’s Who Among Teachers Award. Levenson holds two Masters degrees, one in Exercise Physiology and one in Hispanic Languages and Literature. Her Bachelor’s degree is in Health/Physical Education from the University of Pittsburgh.
“It is an honor to receive the Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award for my volunteer work with the Middle States Association,” said Levenson. “Serving on a Middle States accreditation team is a rich and rewarding experience that helps me grow as an educator and enables me to bring new ideas and programs back to my classroom.”
About Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
Based in Philadelphia, the Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement. With more than 2,700 accredited schools and school systems in 34 states and nearly 100 countries, MSA-CESS is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of improving education in the 21st century. For more information visit www.msa-cess.com.
