Both Sara Podvasnik and Desiree Bluett pride themselves on being team players. On a day to day basis, both Podvasnik and Bluett are constantly looking for ways to fill in the gaps and to help out their students and coworkers in whatever way that they can.  

Podvasnik and Bluett were voted by their peers as December’s employees of the month.  

“She comes into the classroom and is always willing to jump in and support not only me as a teacher but my students,” one coworker said about Podvasnik.  

“She is highly involved with working with both students and teachers,” said another coworker about Bluett. “She helps create a welcoming and supportive school climate.”  

Bluett, a middle school paraprofessional, has worked with the district for 27 years. A proud Duquesne City alum, Bluett is proud to give back. She enjoys working closely with students and helping move the needle forward.  

“I enjoy giving back to my district and my community,” Bluett said. “I like working with small groups and one on one with the students and helping them accomplish their goals.”  

Bluett is highly involved in the school community, serving an essential role in helping implement the Ron Clark Academy PBIS House System model at the middle school level, while also participating in several school committee groups.  

Podvasnik, a district employee for 12 years, serves as an instructional coach for the district, having formerly spent her years in the district as a teacher. This school year has been emblematic of Podvasnik’s helpers mentality. Beyond making the switch to instructional coach, Podvasnik served as the district’s interim Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for a period of time.  

“I really liked it. It was an opportunity to see the other side of things,” Podvasnik said. “It’s cool to see the administrative side and how that impacts the classroom.”  

In her current role, Podvasnik pushes into classrooms, co-teaches, works with students in small groups, and generally models idealistic instruction for her coworkers. The role suits her well, allowing her to add a broader level of assistance for her coworkers and students.  

“I basically just support the teachers and students with the instructional process. I like that I get to see different classrooms everyday and see some of my former students,” said Podvasnik. “I just try to help out and make a difference. When we work together as a team, we can have a greater impact.”