Our first featured Q&A is with Dr. Gina Mahouski, principal of Andrew Mellon Middle School in the Mt. Lebanon School District.
What is something positive that you want others to know about your school?
Dr. Mahouski: We pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where every student is valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Our dedicated team of educators goes above and beyond to create engaging and innovative lessons that spark curiosity and ignite a passion for learning in our students. Our ‘Mellon Mindset’ PBIS program has created a culture of leadership, engagement, belonging, and ownership and has brought our school community together in a positive way. At Mellon, we believe that every child has the ability to succeed, and we are committed to providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
What do you love about being a principal?
Dr. Mahouski: Watching students grow and succeed academically, socially, and emotionally is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the job. I also think being a principal in a middle school is the hidden gem of all principal positions because students are still kids when they arrive and then progressively gain their independence as they move through each grade. It’s a really fun age to work with because there are so many opportunities to help students grow.
In your opinion, what is the future of education?
Dr. Mahouski: I do not foresee the foundation of education changing, as we will always make educational decisions with the best interest of the students at heart. However, I feel that the integration of innovative digital tools, such as artificial intelligence, will impact how learning occurs. I believe that learning will continue to grow to be more flexible to accommodate diverse learning styles and that the need for lifelong learning will become increasingly important with a greater emphasis on cross-cultural competence.