The award is given to a person who has been a "friend of public education" and who has made significant contributions to the attainment of educational excellence in the Commonwealth’s elementary and secondary schools.

   Mrs. Stewart served in PDE’s Bureau of Teacher Certification since November 1993. She was appointed as acting director in the Bureau of Teacher Certification until her retirement in May of 2004. As division chief, she directed more than 20 professional and support staff in the review and processing of applications from professional educators. Currently, she provides training and assistance to the bureau management and staff as a part-time annuitant. She also served as the Northeast regional director for the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification.

   She has had a long-term career in the education field, beginning as a teacher. She has taught in Kentucky, Rhode Island and Germany. She also spent a number of years in Army education. Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in biology education.

   Mrs. Stewart came to Pennsylvania as the spouse of a military officer. Her husband, Tom, is a guidance counselor with the Cumberland-Perry Area Vocational Technical School. They have two children: Tom, an F-16 pilot in the U.S. Air Force, and Erin, an attorney with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

   Congratulations, Susan!