Former Pittsburgh Teacher Picked To Head PA Education Department

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Josh Shapiro has nominated Carrie Rowe, a former Pittsburgh teacher and Western Pennsylvania school district superintendent, to head the state Department of Education.

Rowe is currently the education department's deputy secretary responsible for providing guidance on structured literacy, workforce readiness, teacher recruitment and retention and student mental health.

Rowe began her career as a Spanish teacher for the Pittsburgh Public Schools in the 1990s. She moved to the Beaver Area School District in 1999 and went on to become the district's superintendent.

“I look forward to working with Governor Shapiro, the General Assembly, and partners in the field to ensure that all Pennsylvania learners have access to a world-class education system and all of the possibilities it brings,” Rowe said in a statement.

Shapiro also has nominated Jessica Shirley to serve as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. She currently is the department's acting secretary.

“Dr. Rowe and Acting Secretary Shirley are experienced, dedicated public servants – and I am proud to nominate them to serve as secretaries and continue their work in education and environmental protection,” Shapiro said in a statement.

“Dr. Rowe has dedicated her career to ensuring every student has access to a quality education, and Acting Secretary Shirley has been a driving force in safeguarding our environment while streamlining permitting processes and promoting economic growth."