Darrell Sapp, Post-Gazette
	Joe Werlinich

Joe Werlinich has helped more than 350 principals graduate from the Western Pennsylvania Principals Academy since he founded it at the University of Pittsburgh 23 years ago.

The academy grew out of his work at Pitt teaching principals and supervisors who expressed a need for opportunities to talk about issues and problems. Werlinich got a foundation to provide funding, and the academy, which charges $1,500 tuition for the full program, was up and running.

Both experienced and new principals and assistant principals come to the post-degree academy for two years or more. They meet monthly, have retreats, visit each other's schools and hear from speakers. "The primary focus is improving students' performance," Werlinich said.

They also do problem-solving on issues and "consciousness raising" for principals with people from other kinds of groups, like the Pittsburgh Ballet.

"[The principals] can see that it's more than a school they're running; they're also interfacing with other organizations," Werlinich said.

The principals receive a diploma at the end of their training, but they all remain members of a network that stretches across Western Pennsylvania.

For the past six years, Werlinich has shared duties as director with Otto Graf, and Werlinich said the former principal at Oliver and Mt. Lebanon high schools "has contributed a lot to the development of the academy."

He said, "I think Otto and I do know how to improve achievement in schools, and when we do, it's very gratifying.''

Werlinich, 73, of Pine, who began his career teaching high school science and world cultures, savors the part of his job that takes him directly into the schools, where he can see the effects the academy's work has had on students.

He believes the most pressing issue in education is equity. "Some students get more opportunities, some because of money, some because of location."

Werlinich earned a bachelor's degree from Thiel College in 1952 and a master's from the University of Pittsburgh in 1956.