Bellefonte and Brockway Area Educators Named Finalists for 2014 Teacher of the Year

HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Corbett and Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis yesterday announced the 12 educators who have been selected as finalists for Pennsylvania’s 2014 Teacher of the Year.

“I congratulate these outstanding educators for being selected as finalists to compete for this award,” Corbett said. “These individuals represent the thousands of excellent educators in classrooms across the state who are dedicated to educating children.”

Among the finalists were Erin Cernuska of the Bellefonte Area School District and Kyle Norman of the Brockway Area School District. The other finalists were:

• Daryl Balseiro , Big Spring School District, Cumberland County
• Amy Alleman Burke , Cumberland Valley School District, Cumberland County
• Linda Coll , Northern Lebanon School District, Lebanon County
• Tracey Fritch , Rose Tree Media School District, Delaware County
• Carol Aten Frow , Belle Vernon Area School District, Westmoreland County
• Lori Gallagher , Hatboro-Horsham School District, Montgomery County
• Anthony Grisillo , Rose Tree Media School District, Delaware County
• Nicola Hipkins , Bethel Park School District, Allegheny County
• Jen Klobucar , Yough School District, Westmoreland County
• Nicole Miletto , Hatboro-Horsham School District, Montgomery County

The finalists were nominated by students, parents, colleagues and members of the community who want to recognize their achievements both in and outside the classroom.

“These individuals and their colleagues are committed to encouraging their students to excel,” Tomalis said. “Each and every day across Pennsylvania, teachers play a pivotal role in preparing our children for academic and personal success.  They are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication.”

The finalists must be prepared to effectively carry out the duties of the state’s Teacher of the Year, which includes beingPennsylvania’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

Pennsylvania’s 2013 Teacher of the Year is Ryan Devlin, who teaches 11^th-grade British literature, 8^th-grade computer science and two senior-high electives: creative writing and digital media in Brockway Area School District, Jefferson County.  Devlin was named Teacher of the Year in December of 2012.

Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year program is co-sponsored by the state Department of Education and the Pennsylvania chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year, which was founded in 1995.