President-elect

Edward A. Vittardi

Letter of Recommendation 1
Letter of Recommendation 2
Letter of Recommendation 3

Biographical Statement
Ed Vittardi is principal of North Royalton Middle School in North Royalton, Ohio. Ed is presently serving on the NMSA Board of Trustees representing the North region. He has been active for the last 18 years in the Ohio Middle School Association, presently serving as treasurer.

Ed has presented at numerous state and national conferences and is a past member of the NMSA Middle Level Leadership Institute faculty.

Ed was selected as Ohio Principal of the Year and was one of three finalists for the NASSP Principal of the Year. Middle level education is more than a job to Ed—it is a passion. His greatest pleasure comes from aiding individuals and schools in implementing and developing middle level programs and practices. Ed considers it truly an honor to represent the North Region, advocating for and servicing middle level students and staff, and looks forward to expanding this service to the entire membership.

Briefly describe how, if elected, you would promote NMSA's mission.
Ed would promote the NMSA mission through providing articulate responsive assistance to members and other professional organizations in meeting the social, emotional, and affective needs of middle level students. He will continue to work tirelessly, in collaboration with NMSA members and the board, to make a difference in the lives of middle level students.

In light of NMSA's mission, identify one challenge facing middle level education today and give an example of how NMSA could help its members respond to that challenge.
One of the greatest challenges facing middle level education is continuing to focus on the commitment to the whole child in an era of decreased funding and outside political pressures. We are challenged to advocate for full implementation of the middle school philosophy and the resulting benefits. NMSA can continue to provide research, support, and guidance to aid all middle level proponents in these efforts. We must utilize all means necessary to effectively advocate at the local, state, and national levels.

Professional Contributions to NMSA

• North Region trustee (2005–present)
• Visioning Task Force (2006–2007)
• Board of Trustees Executive Council (2008–present)
• Leadership Institute faculty member (2003–2008)

Most Noteworthy Achievements in Middle Level Education

• NMSA Distinguished Educator Award (2004)
• Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators Principal of the Year (2002)
• Ohio Association of Student Councils Administrator of the Year (1999)
• Ohio Middle School Association Educator of the Year (1997)