Kutztown teacher finalist for state award
A teacher from the Kutztown School District is one of 12 finalists nominated for the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year award.
Benjamin Hoffman is a visual arts teacher at Kutztown High School.
The Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year program, which is run by the state Department of Education, recognizes excellences in teaching by honoring public school teachers who have made outstanding academic contributions to Pennsylvania’s school-aged children.
Each year, 12 finalists are selected from a host of applicants. They are recognized during a ceremony in the fall, where the winner will be announced.
The winner will represent the state at various national, regional and local functions, culminating in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the
White House.
“The Shapiro administration commends these excellent educators for their commitment to their schools, students, and communities — and there is no better time to celebrate them than during Teacher Appreciation Week,” Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, said in a statement released last week announcing the finalists. “Engaged and enthusiastic teachers inspire their students to reach infinite possibilities of success, and can quite literally impact learners for life.”
• Along with Hoffman, the following are the other finalists:
• Anthony Angelini, Conewago Valley School District.
• Brittney Bell, Carmichaels Area School District.
• Jonathan Bickel, Eastern Lebanon School District.
• Ashlie Crosson, Mifflin County School District.
• Rachel Kalberer, Norwin
School District.
• Heather Kilgore, Chester County Intermediate Unit.
• Stephanie Machmer, Jersey Shore Area School District.
• Aspen Mock, Forest Hills School District.
• Justin Ward, Laurel Highlands School District.
• Sharon Williams, Rose Tree Media School District.
• Sally Ann Wojcik, School District of Philadelphia.
For more information
on the Teacher of the Year program visit education. pa.gov/Educators/RecruitRecog/Pages/Teacher-ofthe-Year.aspx.