Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today announced the names of 12 educators nominated to be the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
“The Shapiro Administration commends these educators for their excellence in the classroom and commitment to their schools, students, and communities,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “Great educators change the lives of their students each and every day, and leave a lasting impact on them for life. The Commonwealth is proud to have strong, enthusiastic teachers, inspiring their students to reach infinite possibilities of success.”
The finalists are:
- Sherry Appleton, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology
- Anne Fisher, Downingtown Middle School
- Rob Hodgson, McDowell High School
- Jill Hyatt, Meadville Area Senior High School
- Brooke Nenadal, Curtin Intermediate School
- Darla Romberger, Cumberland Valley High School
- Bo Shappell, Daniel Boone Area High School
- Jennifer Sharek, Patterson Primary School
- Leon Smith, Haverford High School
- Kevin Tomlinson, Evergreen Elementary School
- Jennifer Toney, Sharpsville Area Elementary School
- Jessica Waber, Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School
Each year, the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Program recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring K-12 teachers in public education who have made outstanding academic contributions to Pennsylvania’s school-aged children.
The 12 finalists are selected from applicants and recognized in Harrisburg each fall. Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year will be announced at a state awards ceremony later in the year, and represents the Commonwealth at various national, regional, and local functions culminating in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House.
MEDIA CONTACT: Taj Magruder, tmagruder@pa.gov
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