JAMESTOWN, N.Y. –  Denise Pusateri, Coordinator of STEM for Jamestown Public Schools, has been named the 2025 Coordinator of the Year for Region 12 by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). Pusateri was recognized for this accolade during a reception at Creekside Banquet Facility in Cheektowaga on May 5. 

Pusateri, who currently oversees the district’s mathematics, science, technology, and business departments, was honored for her outstanding leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to student and teacher success, according to Tina Sandstrom, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and School Improvement.

"Denise is the kind of leader who shows up early, stays late, and does so not expecting recognition,” Sandstrom said. “She invests her time, energy, and heart into everything she does—lifting others up, building strong teams, and making sure our students and staff have what they need to succeed. We are so proud to see her recognized as SAANYS Region 12 Coordinator of the Year.”

Pusateri began her career in the Jamestown City School District in 2001 as a mathematics teacher at Jamestown High School. She later served as a GEAR UP Math Coach and mentor before joining the district’s administrative team in 2011 as a Coordinator of Mathematics. Over the years, she has taken on additional leadership roles across nearly every academic department, stepping up during periods of transition and bringing stability, organization, and purpose to each role.

A recent highlight of her leadership includes guiding a comprehensive selection process for a new K–8 mathematics curriculum, which prioritized teacher voice, collaboration, and student-centered decision-making. Following a months-long pilot process, the district adopted SAVVAS enVision earlier this year.

“Jamestown has been a family to me,” said Denise Pusateri.  “The students, teachers, staff, and administration have helped me to grow professionally and I have returned the favor as new teachers and administrators have joined the team. I especially appreciate the mentorship of Tina Sandstrom and
Jessie Joy. I thank SAANYS Region 12 for this honor.” 

SAANYS Region 12 serves Allegany, Buffalo, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. 

Pusateri holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School District Leadership from St. Bonaventure University. She resides in Russell, Pa. with her husband Sam.