Supsi Daniela Willi Piezzi Director Department Of Formation | Frontaliere Ticino
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Context
An appointment marked by continuity and a deep knowledge of the Swiss university system. The SUPSI Council has officially announced the selection of Daniela Willi-Piezzi as the new director of the Department of Formation and Learning / University of Teacher Education (DFA/ASP). She will take office on May 1, 2026. Born in 1972, Willi-Piezzi is not a new face at the Ticino university. Her career within the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland began in 2005 as a professional lecturer, later becoming an adjunct professor in 2009. Since 2020, she has held the strategic role of Director of Basic Education, a mandate during which she has made a significant impact. Under her leadership, activities for monitoring and improving the quality of Bachelor's and Master's programs were enhanced, with a particular focus on combating student dropouts, a phenomenon affecting all Swiss universities. She also worked to improve the compatibility between studies, professional commitments, and students' private lives, a topic of great importance to many workers and families in the region. Her academic background is solid: a degree in Economic Sciences from the University of St. Gallen (HSG) with a specialization in pedagogy, followed by a PhD in the same field in 2002. Before arriving in Ticino, she gained extensive experience in research and consulting at the University of St. Gallen and other institutions in German-speaking Switzerland.
Operational details
The choice of Daniela Willi-Piezzi was not random but the result of a rigorous selection process that saw the participation of high-level candidates. This, as SUPSI itself emphasizes, confirms the prestige and strategic importance of a position that governs the training of future teachers in the Canton of Ticino, from kindergarten to middle school. ## The SUPSI Council's motivations What convinced the university's leadership? The official statement is clear. Willi-Piezzi's profile was chosen for her "undoubted professional, human, and leadership skills." But two elements seem to have been decisive: - Consolidated experience: Her long and relevant track record in the world of Swiss university education was a key factor. - Pragmatic vision: The clarity with which she presented her objectives and priorities for the first 18 months of her term impressed the Council. > The SUPSI Council particularly appreciated her desire to maintain a relationship based on constant dialogue with the Ticino school community, deepening direct knowledge, listening to its needs, and stimulating participation. This commitment to dialogue with the local community is fundamental. The quality of teacher training directly reflects on the quality of the cantonal school system, a matter of primary interest for all families, including those of the nearly 80,000 cross-border workers, whose children attend or may attend Ticino schools. Strong and communicative leadership at the DFA/ASP is a guarantee for the educational future of the region.
Key points
This appointment represents a signal of stability for a sector, education, which is a fundamental pillar for the attractiveness and development of Canton Ticino. The choice of an internal figure, with deep knowledge of local and national dynamics, suggests a desire to consolidate past successes and to face future challenges with a pragmatic and collaborative approach. For cross-border workers, the health of the Ticino education system is an important parameter. Not only for those with children studying in Ticino, but also because a solid university like SUPSI contributes to training qualified professionals, stimulating innovation, and maintaining the high competitiveness of the local labor market. The leadership of the DFA/ASP plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, preparing the teachers who will shape the new generations of citizens and workers. ## Planning your own path A successful career like Willi-Piezzi's is built on competence, vision, and also a clear awareness of one's professional value. For those working in Ticino, understanding how one's salary compares to the market is a fundamental step for future planning. If you want a clear view of your economic potential, our net salary calculator is the ideal tool to analyze your payslip and compare different variables. Source: SUPSI, Ticinonline - February 24, 2026