Tyrone ASD Curriculum Director receives W.I.S.E. Women of Blair County award

Tyrone Area School District Director of Curriculum Leslie Estep was honored at the Casino at Lakemont Park as one of seven “WISE Women of Blair County” on April 15, 2015.

W.I.S.E. stands for Women Involved in Scholarship and Empowerment. According to their website, the WISE Women of Blair County  organization is “dedicated to empowering women and eliminating racism through collaboration, service, and education.”

The group gives awards annually to women leaders in the areas of Arts and Letters, Business and Professional, Community Service Volunteer, Education, Non-Profit/Government, Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement.  They also raise funds for grant programs and scholarships for women in Blair County.

Estep was honored for her work in education as the Tyrone Area School District Curriculum Director.

Mrs. Estep is a tremendous role model for those aspiring to leadership positions. She is richly deserving of this award because of her dedication to students, families, the community and the profession of education.

— Dr. Francince Endler

Estep is a Tyrone native and graduated from Tyrone Area High School in 1990.  Estep earned a degree in secondary education and social studies from Juniata College in 1994. She has served many roles in the Tyrone Area School District, including middle and high school social studies teacher, middle school principal and her current position as Director of Curriculum for the district.

“Receiving this honor is a humbling experience. I certainly do not expect recognition for doing my job,” said Estep, “I could not do what I do without a very supportive school board, my fellow administrators, and the excellent teaching staff we have in Tyrone.”

“I have always felt that it was important to be a good role model for my female students.  I believe that in education we have an obligation to foster students’ abilities in fields that interest them, whether or not those fields have traditionally been gender-specific,” said Estep.

Estep was nominated by the Hollidaysburg Curriculum director Dr. Francine Endler, who has worked with Estep on many occasions. Endler also contacted a few Tyrone school district employees to help send letters to nominate Estep.

“I nominated Mrs. Estep because she exemplifies the qualities that the organization promotes.  Mrs. Estep is an educational leader not only within the Tyrone Area School District but within the greater Blair County area.  Mrs. Estep is a tremendous role model for those aspiring to leadership positions. She is richly deserving of this award because of her dedication to students, families, the community and the profession of education.  I am proud to call her a colleague and friend,” said Endler.

Estep also received praise for her contributions from her boss, Tyrone Area School District Superintendent Cathy Harlow.

“Ms. Estep’s contributions to Tyrone Area School District students and staff are numerous, involving Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum and instruction,” said Superintendent Cathy Harlow,” She oversees the development and implementation of the District Comprehensive Plan and coordinates all staff in-service activities.  She has also been instrumental in pursuing and obtaining funding to support district initiatives.”