Dr. John G. Siolas was appointed to the High Council for Greek Education in the U.S. by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of America.
“I thank you for your service to the Archdiocese till now,” said His Eminence in an official letter. “The purpose of the High Council is to revive Greek education throughout the United States. Two school years have passed since its establishment. Significant progress has been made for the promotion, preservation, and growth of the Archdiocese Greek schools. My aim is to bring significant educators and intellectuals of Greek education, as yourself, to the High Council. Together we will strive for the development of Greek language, culture and faith in America.”
Dr. Siolas was born in Arcadia, Greece. His academic credentials include a B.A. from Marist College in 1973; M.S. in Education, SUNY in 1974, and a Ph.D. from New York University in 1984. During his academic career, Dr. Siolas was a Teacher at St. Basil’s Academy, Garrison, NY 1967-1975; Florida State University Teacher Training Fellow 1976-78 and Education Administrator for the Board of Education of the City of New York from 1975 – 2005. He was an Associate Professor of Education, Graduate Division, School of Education and Psychology at Touro College for the past twelve years. Dr. Siolas served as president the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” from in 1981-83.
His works include books and numerous articles about Greece, children’s textbooks, and bilingual education texts. His honors include: the 2013 Hermes Award given by the Federation of Hellenic American Educators at the Dinner Awards Reception of the 22nd Hermes International Expo; “Educator of the Year (HAEA) in 1987; the NY State Incentive Award 1974. and “Educator of the Year” by The Hellenic American Educators Association of the UFT (HAEA) in 1987.
Dr. Siolas was selected by the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation to be a Visiting Professor for the spring 2007 semester at the University of Athens, Department of Linguistics. Formal documents showing Dr. Siolas’ recertification and participation in the late 1980’s to early 1990’s in the Board of Education of the Greek Archdiocese, where he also served as vice-president and president.
