Welcome to a new “Let’s Talk Quality” blog feature where we spotlight a member of the Pennsylvania Program Quality Assessment (PQA) Team each month. Have fun getting to know our team!
Ann Gula
Carbon County
anngul@pakeys.org
Background
When I entered college, I had aspirations to become a music teacher, but after one semester I found that, although I loved music, I did not want that to be my lifelong career. I did know that I loved working with children, mostly in volunteer positions at that time, and that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. I changed majors and eventually earned undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Child Development Services. At the midpoint of my career, I returned to school, earning a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership.
Experience
My first professional position in the early childhood field was that of an assistant group supervisor at a local child care center. Later, I accepted a teaching position at Head Start, eventually accepting the Education Manager position. I worked within the Head Start program for 17 years before joining the Pennsylvania Key team in 2008 as an assessor. Two years later, I became a supervisor. Throughout my tenure at the Pennsylvania Key, I became trained and reliable on numerous program observation instruments and now lead the implementation initiatives for ten of those. I earned my PQAS certification and provided professional development through local Penn State Extension offices and a local community college for 12 years.
Fun Facts
I am honored to be married to my husband since 1979. We have two adult children and three wonderful grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and am looking forward to resuming trips to National Parks with my family. Hiking/biking, home improvement and crafting are my other hobbies. I recently retired as a church organist/musician after 40 years.
