FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- Gilles-Sweet Elementary School Associate Principal Matthew Krivak was recently named the recipient of an Educators Inspired to Lead Award from Cleveland State University's Center for Educational Leadership.

"I think I was selected based on my continued involvement within the program," Krivak said. "Also, I'm working towards improving myself as I start my fourth year in a school leadership position, so it's my continuous dedication to becoming a better leader."

Fairview Park City Schools Superintendent Bill Wagner added, "We're very proud of Mr. Krivak's outstanding work, and are thrilled that he has been recognized with the Educators Inspired to Lead Award."

Selected as one of 10 leaders to receive the award out of more than 700 graduates over the last decade from the Center for Educational Leadership programs, Krivak will be recognized Sept. 29 at Cleveland State University's Mather Mansion.

Center for Educational Leadership Director Deborah E. Morin said Krivak was well prepared for school leadership as a graduate of several leadership preparation and licensure programs through the Center for Educational Leadership.

"He exemplifies an educator inspired to lead," Morin said.

The Cleveland State University program was started 10 years ago to build leadership capacity across Northeast Ohio. Its goal is to move talented individuals along their leadership pathways from teacher leader to principal and then superintendent.

Over the last five years, Krivak has completed three different Center for Educational Leadership programs, including the blended-learning Inspired Leadership Cohort program, the First Ring Leadership Academy and, most recently, the Education Policy Fellowship Program.

Krivak said he really enjoyed the latter program, which also included local superintendents, principals, board members and treasurers.

"We actually did quite a bit of traveling," said Krivak, who previously taught in the Berea City School District. "For part of the program, we traveled to Southern Ohio, where we were looking at how education is different in the Appalachian region of the state vs. up north.

"We traveled over to Gettysburg to kind of take a look at how leadership impacted the movement of the North vs. the South during the Civil War. We traveled to Columbus, met with the state superintendent and talked about the lifespan of a policy before it makes it down to the state level. We also went to Washington D.C., where as an organization we looked at different policy issues and met with educational folks."

Entering his fifth year with Fairview Park City Schools, Krivak said his Center for Educational Leadership experience has provided him a global view how his impact as a leader affects others.

The associate principal is also hoping Gilles-Sweet Elementary students take notice.

"What I hope the students take away from this is they see that Mr. Krivak and their teachers are lifelong learners, just like what we want them to become," Krivak said. "That's what we're trying to strive within them, that learning is continuous. You don't stop learning."