May 4, 2020
Dear Dallas Academy Community,
It is my great pleasure to announce that Dr. Mandi Skerbetz has been selected as the new Dallas Academy Assistant Head of School, effective June 1, 2020. Dr. Skerbetz was chosen from a national pool of impressive candidates after a very thorough search process. In selecting Dr. Skerbetz as our new Assistant Head of School, we were impressed by her desire to advance Dallas Academy’s mission of providing full academic enrichment and her commitment to honoring the rich traditions and history of our school. She has said that she is “excited and energized to support Dallas Academy as they move forward in creating robust individualized programming and curriculum for students with learning differences.”
As the new Assistant Head of School, Dr. Skerbetz will complete our leadership team and oversee the school’s academic program. Her role will include assuring the alignment and continuity of academic instruction, special programs including Executive Functioning and STARRS, school policies and procedures, and foster the rich school culture that is the hallmark of Dallas Academy.
Dr. Skerbetz not only brings an extensive level of educational leadership to Dallas Academy, she is also a passionate leader, dedicated to the pursuit of innovation and advancement of how we educate. She is currently finishing a Clinical Faculty position with Johns Hopkins University and Urban Teachers where she has been teaching and coaching graduate level students on how to education children with special needs. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Skerbetz was Director of Student Support Services at South Fayette Township School District. From 2013-2015, Dr. Skerbetz was a Special Education faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh where she co-coordinated the MOSAIC (7-12 dual teacher certification) program. In addition, she served as a faculty fellow and founding advisory board member for the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Urban Education. Previous to joining the University of Pittsburgh, she was with Propel Schools for 10 years as a Special Education Teacher, Gifted Teacher, and Director of Pupil Services. Dr. Skerbetz holds an Ed.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in the Education of Students with Mental and Physical Disabilities, a M.Ed. in Special Education and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Duquesne University.
Dr. Skerbetz is currently working with graduate level teachers at Johns Hopkins University to develop the most appropriate e-learning options for students with special needs. With her experience, we are well-positioned to create the most innovative solutions to programming and curriculum to meet the ever-changing needs of our students at Dallas Academy. I look forward to welcoming Dr. Skerbetz and embracing the exciting work still ahead as we continue to meet the needs of our students today; ensuring they will enter the world well-prepared to serve and lead throughout their lives.
Elizabeth Murski, M.Ed.LPC
Head of School
See Attached Bio for Dr. Mandi Skerbetz