Pennsylvania Names Finalists for Teacher of the Year Award

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis today announced the names of the 12 finalists for Pennsylvania's 2013 Teacher of the Year.

"On behalf of Governor Tom Corbett and the Department of Education, I congratulate all of the outstanding educators who have been chosen as finalists for Pennsylvania's 2013 Teacher of the Year," Tomalis said. "These individuals represent the best-of-the-best Pennsylvania's public education system has to offer."

The list of finalists includes:

• Staci Blair, Millcreek Township School District, Erie County
• Denise Bolcavage, Forest City Regional School District, Susquehanna County
• Ryan Devlin, Brockway Area School District, Jefferson County
• Nancy Gheysens, Rose Tree Media School District, Delaware County
• Paula Giran, Norwin School District, Westmoreland County
• Michael Miller, Wyomissing Area School District, Berks County
• Janet Miltenberger, Southern Lehigh School District, Lehigh County
• James Prince, North Allegheny School District, Allegheny County
• DeAnn Scherer, Rose Tree Media School District, Delaware County
• Janette Showalter, Northern Lebanon School District, Lebanon County
• Jacquelyn Wagner, Penns Valley Area School District, Centre County
• Denise Williams, Northern Lebanon School District, Lebanon County

The 12 educators were nominated by students, parents, their colleagues and members of their community who wished to recognize their achievements in and outside the classroom. The winner will be announced later this year.

"These finalists for Teacher of the Year, and many of the professionals in our schools, are dedicated to improving the learning environment for every student and inspiring students to reach for excellence," Tomalis said. "Teachers play a crucial role in the lives of their students and, as such, they have the responsibility of preparing students for a successful future, both academically and personally."

The finalists must also be prepared to effectively carry out the duties of the state's Teacher of the Year, which includes being the Pennsylvania's nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

Pennsylvania's Teacher of the Year for 2012 is Tricia Miller, a literacy coach for the Penns Valley Area School District in Centre County.  

Pennsylvania's Teacher of the Year program is co-sponsored by PDE and the Pennsylvania chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year, which was founded in 1995.

"I truly believe that many of our nation's most passionate and innovative educators are working in Pennsylvania schools," Tomalis said. "The teachers who have been chosen as finalists for Teacher of the Year are proof of that."

Media contact:  Tim Eller, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education