Joseph Formica
Stroudsburg
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with extensive experience at East Stroudsburg Area SD, excelling in program oversight and contract negotiation. Proven track record in developing innovative career counseling programs and fostering strong relationships within the school community. Adept at effective communication and driving initiatives that enhance student success and engagement.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
SOUTH SECONDARY GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT CO-CHAIR
East Stroudsburg Area SD
East Stroudsburg
08.2010 - Current
- Worked in concert with building administrators on all district initiatives: Dual Enrollment; Career Readiness; Act 158; MTSS Integration, etc...
- Coordinated staff meetings with colleagues and building administration to address pressing issues and long term projects
- Set annual school counseling goals
- Assisted the Principal with my counseling staff's division of duties
- Developed an open line of communication with the building principal to extinguish the daily fires that occur in a public high school
- Managed office operations by providing guidance to secretaries and maintaining high customer service for our school community.
- Led by example through my tireless work ethic and my commitment to our students
VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF NEGOTIATOR/MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
East Stroudsburg Education Association
East Stroudsburg
08.1999 - Current
- Provided leadership and representation for my local teacher's union consisting of 600 plus professional educators
- Spearheaded my local's collective bargaining for a quarter century
- Negotiated eight professional staff contracts that improved working conditions and secured favorable terms for members
- Agreed upon a six year contract in 2024 worth approximately 75 million per yr. in salary and benefits
- Developed comprehensive language, salary, and health care proposals to enhance member benefits and align with union objectives
- Lead presenter/spokesperson at the negotiation's table
- Presented and explained tentative agreements to membership at ratification meetings, ensuring understanding and transparency in the process
- Consulted with district administration on educational issues impacting members and students at all levels K-12
- Engaged with potential members to encourage joining local teacher association.
- Reviewed and organized membership applications, ensuring accurate records were kept.
SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR
East Stroudsburg Area School District
East Stroudsburg
08.1997 - Current
- Founded, developed and implemented the school district's School to Career and Career & College Counseling Programs
- Served as a school counselor, school to career coordinator, & career and college counselor during my tenure
- Provided social emotional, career and academic counseling to 275-300 students in a diverse high school setting
- Consulted with parents, administrators, teachers, and various community agencies to help students who are experiencing personal and/or academic difficulties
- Developed and delivered career and college planning lessons to all students grades 9-12
- Implemented the state mandated high school graduation project for all Juniors which consisted of a career research paper and presentation
- Co-Coordinated a college fair for local students
- Disseminated college and career information to student body through emails and announcements, increasing awareness of opportunities
- Disseminated college and career information to the student body via email and announcements
- Coordinated college admission testing (PSAT/SAT) and ASVAB testing
- Consulted with parents, administrators, teachers, and community agencies to support students facing personal and academic challenges, fostering a collaborative approach to student welfare
- Participated in Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) meetings as an LEA
SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Hollidaysburg Area School District
Hollidaysburg
09.1993 - 08.1997
Education
Master of Science - School Counseling
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA05-1992
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA05-1990
Skills
- Program oversight
- Budget planning
- Planning and coordination
- Staff management
- Delegation
- Meeting facilitation
- Contract negotiation
- Problem-solving
- Effective communicator and public speaker
- Relationship and team building
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Diversity awareness
- Innovative mindset
- Time management
- Professionalism
Accomplishments
• I have proudly dedicated my thirty-three year professional career to helping my students have a positive high school experience and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to have a successful transition to post-secondary education, the armed services or the workforce.
• However, the greatest experience of my adult life is being a father. Watching our son, AJ, grow up to be a happy, kind, considerate, and successful young man provides my wife and I with a great sense of joy and pride.
• However, the greatest experience of my adult life is being a father. Watching our son, AJ, grow up to be a happy, kind, considerate, and successful young man provides my wife and I with a great sense of joy and pride.
References
References Available Upon Request
Volunteer Experience
- Member, Stroudsburg Lions Club
- Family Caregiver: Provide weekly assistance to four households of elderly family members in the Scranton area. Duties include budgeting/bill paying; attaining groceries and other daily necessities; light housekeeping and landscaping.
Timeline
SOUTH SECONDARY GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT CO-CHAIR
East Stroudsburg Area SD
08.2010 - Current
VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF NEGOTIATOR/MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
East Stroudsburg Education Association
08.1999 - Current
SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR
East Stroudsburg Area School District
08.1997 - Current
SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Hollidaysburg Area School District
09.1993 - 08.1997
Master of Science - School Counseling
University of Scranton
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Scranton