I recently attended a PA Dept. of Education workshop where Mark Dietz was the facilitator. He quickly put the group at ease while at the same time set goals for the session. His pleasant, relaxed manner set the tone for two days of discussion and work. His examples, experiences and knowledge of educational literature are top notch. He is a tech “guru” and we all enjoyed the Power Point presentations and film clips he used to get his point across. I would not hesitate to sign up for another session that Mark facilitates.
-Dr. Theresa Haught, Superintendent of Schools
Mark,
As I prepared for today’s meeting with my Central Administrative Staff, I was reflecting on many of the topics and comments that were made during our session yesterday re: Cor. 6, Leading, Implementing, & Sustaining Growth in 21st Century Schools. I appreciated the many opportunities you gave the participants to be able to respond and comment on topics of interest throughout the day. Your skills as a facilitator allowed the day to flow without any “down time”. It was obvious that you enjoyed what you were doing, in my book that means you don’t have a “job”. Thank you for making the entire program a worthwhile experience.
-Andy
Dr. Andrew Smarkanic, Superintendent of Schools
The 21st century has ushered in a set of challenges for education administrators. Finding meaningful professional development is not an easy task for the Superintendent. During a two day professional development opportunity, “Leading, Implementing, & Sustaining Growth in 21st Century Schools,” Dr. Dietz facilitated a dynamic and realistic learning experience relative to a Superintendent’s role as a leader. He provided us the opportunity to collaborate and share our unique experiences. I am confidant that each participant returned to his or her district not only motivated, but also with valuable information. Our time and energy could not have been better spent!
-Carol Makuta, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Mark Dietz has been a facilitator for two of the corollaries I’ve attended. Mark is a gifted and seasoned educational leader who establishes a warm, meaningful and challenging environment in which busy school leaders engage their continued development. His knowledge of the challenges facing school system leaders coupled with his gentle yet firm affirmation that we care for ourselves and continue growing gives us a sense that he truly cares for us.
I appreciate Mark’s approach; his empathy, guidance, affirmation, and encouragement. Mark adds value to the PLDC [Pennsylvania Leadership Development Center]. I look forward to studying with him in the future.
-Robert R. Gross III, Superintendent of Schools
I have participated in presentations where Dr. Mark Dietz was the lead facilitator. In all aspects of the his work, Mark showed a clear understanding of adult learning principles and exuded a sense of authenticity and honesty in his work. Dr. Dietz was keenly aware of his audience, a group of superintendents and assistant superintendents, and customized the presentation and work requirements to accommodate their demanding work schedules. I learned from Dr. Dietz and was inspired by his enthusiasm and the great thinking that emerged from my colleagues through his fine facilitation.
-Dr. Warren F. Mata, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Mark, again I have found working with you a real pleasure. When I was in the process of selecting a session, I was delighted to see you were going to facilitate. I appreciate your understanding of our lives as superintendents, your empathy and your enthusiastic manner. For most of us, the video clips, the music, and the historical references are a real treat. I have felt completely comfortable in getting to know and work with colleagues previously unknown – your skill, I am sure, enabled that to happen. Good luck in your endeavors. I will watch to see who is facilitating as I choose my next PILS [Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership System] sessions.
-Carol Boyce, Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mark-
When the PILS concept was initiated requiring superintendent participation, I’ll admit I was one who did not enthusiastically embrace the concept. It wasn’t my opposition to learning something new through formal continuing education. Rather I didn’t think being out of the office would be a fair personal trade-off for what I thought I could accomplish on the job. I stand corrected! My PILS experience in general has been a rewarding and enriching period of personal professional growth. And, without question, your skills as facilitator was an integral component of that positive learning experience for me. My personal kudos to you for a job well done, teacher! I sincerely hope our professional paths will cross again in the future!
-Stan
Dr. Stanley G. Rakowsky, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Mark Dietz provides outstanding professional development experiences to educators due to his quality experiences as a school administrator. I was thankful to have the opportunity to engage in collaborative professional development opportunities with him!
-Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, Superintendent
Dr. Mark T. Dietz was exceptional in assisting me and other area superintendents navigate the program materials and job embedded assignments. Dr. Dietz’s interactive approach kept the group focused and engaged. His skill and talent as a professional facilitator was evident. Dr. Dietz was well prepared and had a refreshing perspective on the topics addressed in the program. His thoughts were concise, practical, and insightful. He exceeded my expectations!
-Donna M. Belas, Superintendent
Dr. Mark Dietz is the type of facilitator every superintendent longs for (but seldom finds) to lead his/her own professional development. Mark understands that our time is precious and that our learning must do double-duty and move the work of the district forward. I grew personally and professionally in my use of technology through his guidance and support. He has a warm and easy manner that encourages participants to take risks. You will be pleasantly surprised when you reach the end of the course and realize that you met your goals in a most worthwhile and enjoyable way!
-Dr. Mary Bucci, Superintendent
Dr. Mark Dietz brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to facilitating workshops and professional development. He displays a style that balances product and process; his sessions promote learning that helps develop more effective leadership skills for school administrators.
-Dr. Lawrence C. Korchnak, Superintendent
Dr. Mark Dietz makes obtaining professional development hours meaningful and enjoyable. He connects well with his audience and understands what superintendents deal with daily, from budgets to boards to buses. His sessions are filled with insight and humor, and he models the effective use of technology through his teaching.
-Dr. Valerie McDonald, Superintendent
I recently worked with Dr. Mark Dietz in a PDE sponsored professional development workshop. Due to an unexpected change in schedule, I was in China during the second (required) session. Dr. Dietz was instrumental in assisting me to connect to the class via SKYPE. He was so accommodating to conduct a few ‘test runs’ and to allow my participation using this technology. It is so refreshing to encounter a professional educator who is willing to use technology to solve an otherwise insurmountable obstacle, and to encourage others to do so as well!
-Leah M. Christman, Assistant Superintendent
