Educator named finalist for state teacher of the year award

DANIEL BOONE

A Daniel Boone educator has been named a finalist for the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Award.

Bo Shappell, a teacher at Daniel Boone High School, was unveiled by the state Department of Education on Thursday as one of 12 finalists for the annual award. The other 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

• 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

Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid Mumin said the finalist are being recognized for their excellence in the classroom and commitment ot thei schools, students and communities.

“Great educators change the lives of their students each and every day, and leave a lasting impact on them for life,” Mumin said in a statement announcing the finalists. “The commonwealth is proud to have strong, enthusiastic teachers, inspiring their students to reach infinite possibilities of success.”

The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony this fall. The winner will go on to represent Pennsylvania in the National Teacher of the Year competition.