In this leadership spotlight we shine a light on Dr. Dina Dormer, the K-12 Supervisor of Science, Technology and Engineering and Family and consumer science in the West Chester Area School District. Dr. Dormer correlates leadership to science, stating “"Leadership is a lot like science in many ways, as some predictions and hypotheses turn into expected OR unexpected/unanticipated results. Troubleshoot, learn, iterate, adapt, and try again - the next time, better informed and equipped."  When you spot Dr. Dormer, you won't help but notice the goofy/fun knee-high socks she wears every day. She is known not to repeat a design during the course of a school year.

• How do you describe leadership? 

When thinking about science leadership in general, Dr. Dormer shares, "I believe that leadership is ongoing & shows up in a range of ways that are needed, from an ally to an advocate to an advisor to a mentor to a sponsor. In any of these “roles,” a leader influences those around them and ultimately equips others to live their own standard and create their own momentum on their desired path."

• What advice do you have for those pursuing science leadership? 

For those who are interested in pursuing leadership opportunities, Dr. Dormer advises, "Get involved in various roles and committees. Ask a lot of questions and learn from people in different roles, departments, and schools. Be patient. Be curious. Take a risk." 

• How do your hobbies outside of science leadership contribute to your professional life?

Dr. Dormer is a swimming coach, which helps her to "maintain the discipline and resilience to persist through challenges and difficult times." When thinking about how science leadership contributes to her professional life, she says, "Coaching also reminds me of the importance of establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with others, serving others, and finding ways to draw out the possibilities and opportunities within each person." 

• Why did you join NSELA and what are you most looking forward to as a member?

She joined NSELA for the opportunities to collaborate with science leaders and educators and is "most looking forward to continuing to learn and grow both with and from others." 

• What has been a success of your leadership in your district that you are proud of? What are you most proud of?

Dr. Dormer is most proud of the successful transition to the PA STEELS stands. She notes, "Science and Technology & Engineering teachers have been heavily involved in curriculum development and revisions, shifts in learning experiences, development of multidimensional assessments, and inviting students into their learning of science in ways that promote curiosity, exploration, investigation, and constructing evidence-based explanations." 

• What has been a challenge for you as a leader?

As a leader, Dr. Dormer acknowledges that she is "Always challenged by others' disappointment" and her "own perfectionism." 

• In addition to your leadership role in your district, what other leadership activities are you involved with? (e.g. publications, presentations, professional association involvement, volunteer work, etc.)

A  former high school and college Chemistry teacher, Dr. Dormer was recently named the PA Science Administrator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Science Teaching Association (PSTA) and will be honored in October 2025 at their annual conference. She is the Secretary of the Technology and Engineering Association of Pennsylvania (TEEAP) and membership coordinator of the Council for STEM Leadership for the International Technology & Engineering Educators Association. Dr. Dormer was honored in the Spring of 2024 as being named an ITEEA 21st Century Learning Academy cohort member. In addition to her supervisory role, she serves as a National Teacher Effectiveness Coach for Engineering by Design and is a member of multiple professional organizations. Dr. Dormer has presented at countless conferences, including NSTA, PSTA, ASCD, AERA, TEEAP, KSLA, the SAS Institute, PETE&C, and the International Habits of Mind Conference on a range of science, STEM, and education topics.