Becky Stiffler

Educators of the Alle-Kiski Valley always strive to give our children the best possible education, and with legislative changes their efforts have increased to meet the new standards. One example of this dedication toward scholastic excellence is in a program birthed by Saltsburg Superintendent, Dr. Mencer. This three-year trail program was funded by grants through the Heinz Foundation. Reading teacher, Becky Stiffler, who now carries the position of School Performance Facilitator, is carrying out the program at the Saltsburg Elementary School.

As part of the plan Becky evaluates students' math and reading scores to discover if any problems exist and whether the student is at risk of failing. After collecting the data and analyzing the results, she finds ways to help the teacher as well as the students. This may be in tutoring the students, new lesson plans for the teachers, or having an aide work with the students during class time. Becky must also create reports for the administration so they have a clear picture about what's happening with each student. She also provides valuable resources to the teachers to share with the students' families. Becky describes herself as the extra eyes and hands of the teachers. She is able to catch problems early enough to get kids back on right track before there are major problems.

Another area that Becky focuses on is the PSSA test scores. She reviews the fifth grade PSSA test results to determine any areas not meeting state standards. From this information she is able to come up with additional practice of some sort to help raise test scores.

So far these efforts have been very successful, and math scores have increased. Becky has found this change of pace is a lot of hard work but also very rewarding. She hopes to continue in the program as long as the funds to carry on are available.

When she isn't up to her elbows in paperwork, Becky loves to spend time with her husband, Leonard, and her two children. Whitney is in the ninth grade and Taylor is the sixth grade. Becky is a member of the Mary Lee Cunningham Foundation in Saltsburg and an active member of the Hebron Lutheran Church in Blairsville.

Becky always liked school; she lived in a very rural area growing up, so she always looked forward to going and seeing her friends. And for as long as she can remember, she has wanted to be a teacher. Today she is able to realize her dream with the added satisfaction of knowing that her place in this pioneering effort to change the face of education has been a success.