The Board of Education appointed Dan Saia effective Jan. 2, 2018
The Washington Township Board of Education has approved the appointment of Dan Saia as assistant principal at Washington Township High School, effective Jan. 2, 2018. Saia replaces former WTHS assistant principal Rich O’Neill, who served in the capacity since June of 2003 and spent 26 years in the district.
“We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Saia to the high school administrative team,” WTHS principal Ann Moore said. “As a former teacher and supervisor at the high school, Mr. Saia knows and understands high school students. He is familiar with the high school curriculum and has worked closely with many of the high school staff. We are very excited to welcome him back to the high school and look forward to his contributions to our high school community.”
The district’s social studies department supervisor from 2013 to 2016, Saia served as the interim assistant director for assessment, anti-bullying coordinator, educational programs support and alternate revenue since January 2017. He began his career in the district in 2003 and spent 10 years as a social studies teacher at WTHS.
As supervisor, Saia was responsible for oversight of the social studies curriculum in grades six through 12, including studies in U.S. History, World History, Geography, Economics and Financial Literacy.
He worked directly with approximately 45 teachers and conducted classroom evaluations to direct and improve the effective articulation of the curriculum across all levels, infusing technology, managing the budget and mentoring staff. He was responsible for the evaluation of student achievement and assessments, and the proper placement of students in assigned areas of study.
While a teacher, Saia taught five different social studies courses on four different academic levels, including advanced placement, and served on curriculum committees that developed two courses of study. He also created and instructed the district’s first regular-credit online instruction program. He has served as a professional development facilitator in areas of general technology; working in a co-teacher classroom; wikis, blogs and podcasting; and Blackboard course sites. He also was an Ida B. Wells Teaching American History Grant participant.
Saia holds a bachelor’s of science degree in history with a concentration in secondary education from Towson University (2002). He earned a master’s in instructional technology in 2010 from Arcadia University and completed a master’s in educational and district leadership at Thomas Edison State University in 2016.
Saia is a member of both the New Jersey and the National Council for the Social Studies, and the New Jersey Social Studies Supervisor Association. He holds New Jersey principal and supervisor certifications.
