Shamokin Area School District

A native to our coal region, Mary Teresa Komara graduated from Lourdes Regional where she was active in many clubs and sports during her high school career.  She lives in the area with her two daughters.  

Mrs. Komara began her Shamokin Area Elementary career as Assistant Principal in 2002 and was assigned as Principal in 2003.  As the elementary principal, she brought many educational experiences to the Shamokin Area Elementary Schools.  She has been in public education for the past 30 years, first teaching students in Kindergarten through Sixth Grades.  Mrs. Komara earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Elementary Education in 1987.  From there Mary Teresa pursued her Master of Education, specializing in Reading.  In 1995 she received her Principal’s Certificate from Temple University.  And most recently, she acquired her Administrative Leadership Letter of Eligibility from Bucknell University.

Her educational philosophy is to provide positive learning experience for all students.  These positive experiences play a crucial role in a young students’ life as they are considered the building blocks to establish life long learners.  Each student’s school experience at Shamokin Area Elementary will be interactive, collaborative and building critical thinking skills that will support each student in their daily lives.

Besides education, Mrs. Komara has a strong passion for reading and the teaching of reading.  She is an active member of Holy Angels Church and a member of the Brush Valley Chamber of Commerce, Elementary and High School Parent-Teacher Associations, and other local community organizations.  Mary Teresa is also a member of the following national and state organizations; National Association of Elementary School Principals, Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals, Pennsylvania State Education Association, Keystone State Reading Association, ASCD, and Phi Delta Kappa International.

“That person is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.”