Educational Support

Our goal is to support public school employees by recognizing exemplary professionals currently in the field and future professional educators.

The Lauretta Woodson Award recognizes excellence in education.  Two awards are presented annually to an outstanding educator and a support professional.  Our 2026 recipients come from the Halifax School District.  Each of them was received a framed certificate along with a pin from PASR as well as a modest monetary gift from the Dauphin County Chapter of PASR.  These awards were presented by our Chapter's past president and current education committee chair, Robert J. Hamera at a school board meeting.

Educator:  Shannon Tanner, Halifax Elementary School

Reason for Award:  Mrs. Tanner is an advocate for her students.  She is deeply committed to her students' academic success and social and emotional development.

Support Paraprofessional:  Nicole Englar, Halifax Elementary School

Reason for Award:  Mrs. Englar is an instructional aide who consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of students.  Her commitment, initiative, and genuine care for students make her an invaluable member of Halifax Elementary School.

We also administer the Educational Support Grant.  This is a $400  competitive grant awarded to one school employee to be used for an innovative program to enhance the school's curriculum.

Jordyn Moyer of Haifax School District is our 2025-2026 grant recipient for the HMS PBIS (Halifax Middle School Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Project.  The funds will be used for broadening rewards and opportunities for students.  Prizes would be bought for a school-wide BINGO.  Prizes would be based on students' interests. Money would also be used to purchase gift cards for a gift card raffle.  Some money would also be used for a breakfast event where students can bring a special guest with them to eat in the cafeteria before the school day begins.

Chapter scholarships are awarded annually to public high school seniors planning to major in the field of education.  The 2024-25 recipient, Ms. Cordasha Peterson, graduated from Harrisburg City School District in May and is currently attending Lincoln University where she is majoring in Elementary Education.  She plans to pursue her master's degree as well before entering her chosen career.  According to her guidance counselor and her references, she is enthusiastic, motivated, and dedicated to academic excellence.  She is an exceptional leader while maintaining exemplary interpersonal skills with an expressed goal of returning to Harrisburg to teach.