Jason R. Harding
Peebles Elementary School
North Allegheny School District
Pittsburgh, PA

"'Teaching is my passion, not my job.' My parents were educators and the words of my late dad ring through my ears each day as I enter my classroom determined to inspire and teach my students. My teaching needs to be completely centered on each of my student's individual backgrounds, interests and experiences."

"Jason exemplifies all that is good, right and noble about our profession. As a Special Education teacher, he works with children who look to him for extra measures of educational support, an encouraging smile and a bright bold tie that serves as an entrée to each day's lessons."

"Every student can and will be successful in our classroom. My students and I have worked to create a place where they can learn through 'Structured Freedom.'" Jason's structured freedom is like one, huge country made up of individual cities. There are no desks, but instead centers, dividers, tables, bean bags and other learning areas. Jason establishes tone through planning, open communication, and intense work habits encouraged by incentives and clear expectations for achievement. Jason's instruction includes one-on-one and small groups, written practice, visual and auditory stimulation, and hands-on activities. Jason works to make learning fun! Many activities, games and centers are used to draw students' attention to learning. New ideas flow easily because there is not the frustration or concern about expectation. Understanding the learning needs of his students and helping them better understand how they learn best is the lifeblood that pumps accomplishment into the veins of Jason's classroom.

Other Highlights:

• Teacher in North Allegheny School District
• Special Education Adjunct Consultant for AIU#3 PA-Learners Online
• Bachelors of Science: Elementary Education (K-6)
• Bachelors of Science: Special Education (K-12)
• Masters Degree: Curriculum and Instruction
• Principal Certification Program (K-12)
  • Superintendent Certification Program (In Progress)
  • Doctoral Candidate-Educational Leadership (In Progress)
• Teaching Tolerance Magazine: Education Grant Recipient
• North Allegheny Distinguished Leadership Award
• Marie McKay Education Award
• Henry J. Furrie Scholarship
• Slippery Rock University Leadership Excellence Scholarship
• Golden Key National Honors Society
• National Residence Hall Honorary Scholarship