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Blackhawk Education Association

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Beaver Falls, PA
Blackhawk Education Association

BEA is committed to advocating for students, education, and community.
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WE ARE:
-Professional Educators
-Public Servants
-Family: Parents, Grandparents, Friends, Neighbors
-Role models for kids
-Taxpayers BEA is committed to advocating for students, public education, and the Blackhawk community. We are:
-Student advocates
-Teachers
-Community members
-Taxpayers
-Hard-working and dedicated professionals
-Advocates for a strong public education system
-Catalysts of Change
-Coaches
-Neighbors and Friends
-Role Models

08/13/2026

Welcome back Blackhawk.
Today marks the first day for our educators in the Blackhawk School District. We look forward to another wonderful year of growth, inspiration and success.
As Dr. Vinatta and Mr. Shope said in their opening remarks, "Education is a badge of honor."

06/10/2026

Get to know our new BEA President- Dan Nolte

Q: What inspired me to step into the BEA president position?
A: I wanted to give back to something that has supported me through my years at a Blackhawk. I also wanted to be a force for good for an organization that seeks to do what is best for our students, staff, and community.

Q: How has my experience as an educator shaped my leadership style?
A: It has taught me empathy, humility, and that even the smallest decisions can have a big impact.

Q: What does the BEA motto "the best part of us is us." mean to me personally?
A: It means that it is the great people that make up BEA that make the greatest impact in this profession and that the relationships within the association are what make us strong.

Q: What are my goals and priorities for the association this year?
A: To make and influence decisions that most benefit our students, staff, and community. Decisions that make Blackhawk the best place to be! I also hope to leave BEA and the Blackhawk community as strong as or stronger than when I took over this position.

Q: What is one thing I hope members feel when they work alongside BEA?
A: Respected, supported, a strong sense of community, and that there is competent leadership.

Q: How do I hope to continue strengthening relationships among staff, students, and community?
A: Doing what is best for our kids and community. BEA's priorities align with what is best for students and the community. As a result, doing what is best for one group naturally benefits all parties. If we stay focused on what is best for everyone at Blackhawk, relationships will naturally continue to grow and flourish. I also want to reassure all members that no decision is made without significant consideration of everyone's interests and needs.

Q: What advice would I give to newer educators entering the profession?
A: Never lose sight of the importance and extreme responsibility of this profession, always be open to constructive criticism, and always remember that every child who walks into your classroom has dignity. This is one of the most rewarding and worthy jobs in the world!

Q: What is one thing people may not know about me outside of school?
A: I am a member of the Chippewa Area Lions Club

Q: What keeps me motivated during the challenging times in education?
A: Remembering why we do this job. It is our duty to provide our students with the greatest chance to succeed in life.

Q: What are you most excited about for the future of BEA?
A: Witnessing our successes translate to our community's success.

04/21/2026

Meet our BEA President Ryan Ricciardi.

What inspired you to become an educator—and a Spanish teacher?
-Original plan was to get my PhD in psychology at Duquesne University. Double majored in Psychology and Spanish. Stuck with Spanish because I loved it. Taught a group of middle school students at a catholic school in Pittsburgh my last semester of undergrad. Loved it and decided to get my master’s in education so I could teach.

How did your journey lead you to becoming BEA president?
- It's been a long journey to BEA President. Slowly got involved in the union over the years and have been asked on a few occasions to be the union president. The timing with everything just seemed right, which is why I decided to step up this year.

What’s a moment in your classroom that reminded you why you teach?
-I have moments every day with my students that I love. They keep me going and keep me feeling like I made the right decision to be a teacher. But I always love hearing from my former students as well. I received a text just the other day from a student how her Spanish helped her immensely at her job.

Why is learning Spanish important for students today?
-Learning Spanish (or any other language) is vital nowadays. People are more connected than ever and there are real possibilities of interacting with people who speak other languages and people of different cultures. Of all the subjects I studied in school, Spanish is one of the ones I use regularly outside of my job.

What does the BEA mean to you personally?
- BEA is comprised of an amazing group of educators and it means the world to me to be able to represent and lead such a fine group. I take great pride and am deeply motivated to do the very best for this group.

What’s something people might not realize about educators right now?
-Educators need more support than ever. Not because they are less capable than before, but the demands on them just continue to pile up, while resources and staffing are on the decline.

Lo mejor de nosotros, es nosotros

03/29/2026

This weekend Mr. Hardesty presented at the Student PSEA state conference in State College along with 3 other past/current PA Teachers of the Year. There were over 350 preservice teachers in attendance this year! His breakout session was on contract reading as a new teacher. Thank you for all you do, Mr. Hardesty! We are proud to have you as one of our amazing teachers!

02/24/2026

A team from Highland Middle School will be headed to the Ron Clark Academy this summer for a once in a lifetime experience. Tonight they kicked off their yearlong journey with Ignite the Classroom at Acrisure Stadium with keynote speaker Ron Clark.

02/07/2026

The best part of us, is us. Congratulations! Thank you for going above and beyond for our students, schools, staff and community.

01/20/2026

Meet Kayli Newman
4th Grade Teacher at Blackhawk Intermediate School
Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach
Slippery Rock Graduate
Blackhawk Alumni- Class of 2019

What do you love most about teaching?
I love getting to know my students each year and helping them become confident readers. Every day I come to work excited, hoping to make a lasting impact as they grow into lifelong learners.

Why did you choose this profession?
I’ve always wanted to help children learn and grow, not just academically, but as people. I loved school growing up and wanted to create a classroom where kids genuinely enjoy coming every day.

What makes your school community special?
The sense of collaboration. I can go to anyone across the district to ask questions or share ideas. Teachers here also truly care about their students and our community.

What’s one small moment that made you smile this week?
A few students surprised me with a paper project filled with tiny hearts that said things like “love reading,” “best teacher,” and “writing is awesome.”

How do you support students beyond academics?
Every day, I actively listen to my students and allow them to share their personal lives and experiences. I often relate lessons to everyday life, allowing students to make connections.

What inspires you to keep going on tough days?
Knowing that my students may be having tough days too. I strive to be a stable, caring adult they can count on.

What’s the best part of working with your colleagues?
My colleagues are always striving to be the best for their students. They always show up. Professionally and personally, I know I can count on them.

10/13/2025

📚✨ EdFEST 2025 at the CCBC Dome! ✨📚

Educators and leaders from across Beaver County came together for an inspiring day of learning, collaboration, and connection at EdFEST! 🌟

We were honored to hear from amazing speakers, including Jimmy Casas, who shared powerful insights from his book Culturize — reminding us that every student deserves a champion, and every educator has the power to shape a positive school culture. 💪🍎

The Blackhawk Education Association is proud to be part of a community of educators dedicated to growing together and supporting one another. 💛

08/21/2025

Welcome Back Blackhawk! Have a great first day, take time to soak it all in as we start a new school year. May you always know the difference you make in the lives of our students, staff and community. Here is to another great year.

07/11/2025

Congratulations on Your Retirement, Matt Foley!

After 28 years of dedicated service as a Tech Education Teacher and Technology Director, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Matt Foley on his well-earned retirement.

Matt’s impact on our district goes far beyond technology and teaching. His 23 years of service in the Army National Guard exemplify his deep commitment to both community and country.

Known for his practical jokes and jovial spirit, Matt has left a lasting impression on students, staff, and colleagues alike. His good humor, caring spirit, and attention and knowledge of the craft made him not only a respected educator, but a true friend to all who have had the privilege of working with him.

We thank Matt for his years of service, leadership, and the many laughs along the way. Wishing him all the best in this next chapter—may it be filled with relaxation, adventure, and just the right amount of mischief!

Congratulations, Matt!

Address

500 Blackhawk Road
Beaver Falls, PA
15010

Telephone

+17248469600

Website

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