Diane L. Kirk - University of Pittsburgh School of Education

Dr. Diane L. Kirk has been a Clinical Associate Professor in the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education since September 2006. She manages the superintendent, principal, and curriculum & instruction internship courses in the Department of Administrative and Policy Studies that all students must complete in order to gain certification in Pennsylvania. In addition to her course work, she serves as the Director of the Tri-State Area School Study Council. Dr. Kirk manages Tri-State’s activities, which include research and development assistance for member school districts, conferences, and professional development activities, among other services. Before joining the University, Dr. Kirk served as the Superintendent of Schools in Peters Township from July 1997 to July 2006 and as the Assistant Superintendent for the five years prior.

Instructional Interests

Dr. Kirk supervises all interns in the K-12 Principal Certificate Program, the Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility Certificate Program, and the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certificate Program.

Scholarly Interests

School Leadership
Mental Health in Administrators and Teachers
Post-pandemic learning environments

Selected Grants

2018-2021, The Collaborative for Southwestern Pennsylvania Assistant School Superintendents, The Grable Foundation ($30,000). Co-Principal Investigator.

Engagement, Partnerships, and Professional Service

Dr. Kirk is the Director of Tri-State Area School Study Council. Tri-State provides professional development workshops and conferences and networking opportunities for school administrators and personnel in the Western PA region.