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Immediate Release
September 14, 2009DoDEA Educational Communications Officers:
Frank X. O'Gara(703) 588-3260
Elaine Kanellis(703) 588-3265
Dr. Patrick Dworakowski
DoDEA NAMES NEW ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR EDUCATION
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — Mr. Charlie Toth, the Department of Defense Education Activity's (DoDEA's) Associate Director for Education and Principal Deputy Director, announced today the selection of Dr. Patrick A. Dworakowski as Assistant Associate Director for Education
As the Assistant Associate Director for Education, Dr. Dworakowski will provide leadership in planning, executing and evaluating the effectiveness of DoDEA's core programs in education; assessment; research and evaluation; procurement; budgeting; and professional development.
Prior to joining DoDEA, Dr. Dworakowski served for the past two years as the Superintendent of Schools for the Montour School District in McKees Rocks, Pa. He has also served as the Principal of Montour High School and as the Director of the Alternative Education Program in the Montour School District. Dr. Dworakowski was also the Assistant Principal of New Brighton High School in New Brighton, Pa., as well as a Special Education Teacher at Hopewell High School in Aliquippa, Pa.
In announcing Dr. Dworakowski's selection, which was made through a competitive process, Toth cited Dr. Dworakowski's experience as an administrator and instructional leader as strengths he will bring to his new assignment.
"Dr. Dworakowski's experience and accomplishments in the areas of program development, program evaluation, organizational improvement, and data-based research and decision making will be extremely valuable to DoDEA as we build upon our commitment to continuous improvement and highest student achievement," Toth said. "Dr. Dworakowski has the right combination of experience as a teacher and administrator as well as an extensive background in curriculum development, programming, planning and budgeting that will help our educators, administrators, and staff and more importantly, benefit our students."
Dr. Dworakowski, a Navy veteran, is also very familiar with the opportunities and challenges of military life, having served on active duty for seven years, first as an aircraft director and firefighter and then as an aircraft firefighter and training coordinator. He served on the USS John F. Kennedy, based in Norfolk, Va., and while assigned to that ship, he was a flight line director and team leader during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He subsequently served at the Naval Air Station Whiting Field, in Milton, Fla., where he controlled and directed air traffic and led a fire, crash, and rescue crew.
"In addition to his experience as an educator and administrator, Dr. Dworakowski's Navy experience uniquely positions him to truly understand military life and the challenges of transitions and deployments that affect our students and their families around the world," said Toth. "That understanding and empathy is particularly important to military communities, as our schools often become the stability and routine that's so helpful in coping with separations and deployments," he added.
Dr. Dworakowski is looking forward to serving military students and families in his new capacity.
"I am extremely excited about the educational and leadership opportunities this position will provide me," he said. "I am looking forward to building upon the initiatives set forth by the DoDEA Director, Dr. Shirley Miles, and her team as we support children of military families serving around the world.
"I'm also looking forward to sharing my experience and areas of expertise with the DoDEA staff, supporting DoDEA's mission and vision, and contributing to the strategic leadership of this organization," Dr. Dworakowski added.
Dr. Dworakowski received his Doctor of Education from Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and his Master of Science in Education Administration from Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio. He is also a graduate of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education focused in Special Education (K-12).
He is a member of the Forum for Western Pennsylvania Superintendents, the American Association of School Administrators, the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, the Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials, the Rotary International (Pennsylvania-Parkway West), and the Brighton Township Athletics Association.
Dr. Dworakowski's military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Unit Commendation; the Navy Unit Commendation; the National Defense Service Medal; the Southwest Asia Campaign Service Medal; the Kuwait Liberation Medal; Good Conduct Medal; and the Service Deployment Medal.
Dr. Dworakowski, will assume his new duties later this month. He and his wife, Shelby, have two daughters and one son.
DoDEA directs, coordinates, and manages the education programs for Department of Defense (DoD) dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DoDEA consists of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) located overseas, and the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) located in the United States and its territories and possessions. DoDEA provides education to eligible DoD military and civilian dependents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
