Wolf Administration Names 2019 Teacher of the Year

Hershey, PA – Today, Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera announced Marilyn Pryle, a teacher at Abington Heights High School in Lackawanna County, has been named the 2019 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during the SAS Institute, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s annual professional development conference. View photos from this event​.

“Students thrive and succeed when they have outstanding teachers who inspire and motivate them to learn,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “It is my pleasure to congratulate Marilyn on this distinguished honor and to thank all teachers across our commonwealth for their dedication to educating and inspiring students.”

Pryle, who teaches English at Abington Heights High School, is one of 12 Teacher of the Year finalists. Nominations for the Teacher of the Year were submitted by students, parents, peers, and members of the community wishing to honor and recognize educator achievements both inside and outside of the classroom.

As Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year, Pryle will travel the state, meet, and collaborate with other educators, and will represent the commonwealth in next year’s National Teacher of the Year competition.

“Teacher of the Year is a fantastic program to celebrate the profession of teaching and to recognize many of the commonwealth’s finest educators,” said Secretary Rivera. “Ms. Pryle has demonstrated her commitment to her students and her profession, and now over the next year she will have the opportunity to engage with educators from around the state to exchange ideas and innovative approaches that can benefit our students.”

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

Ms. Pryle was chosen from among 12 finalists, including:

·       Amber Chiafulio, 9-12th grade biology, Freedom High School, Bethlehem Area School District

·       Kenneth Ehrmann, 5th grade math, reading, writing, social studies and science, M.M. Seylar Elementary School, Pennridge School District

·       Ann Delahanty Franzosa, 1st grade, Hazleton Township Early Learning Center, Hazleton Area School District

·       Brian Hastings, 9-12th grade physics, AP physics, science, applied physics – aerospace engineering, Spring Grove Area High School, Spring Grove Area School District

·       Wade Owlett, 3-6th grade English and language arts, Clark Wood Elementary School, Northern Tioga School District

·       Myken Poorman, 9-12th grade agricultural education, Bellefonte Area High School, Bellefonte Area School District

·       Jayda Pugliese, 5th grade math and science, St. Mary Interparochial School, Archdiocese of Philadelphia

·       Sunada Roberts, 9th grade integrated honors science, Harrisburg High School, SciTech Campus, Harrisburg School District

·       Uriah Sampson, 10-12th grade art and photography, Titusville High School, Titusville Area School District

·       Maria Vita, 11-12th grade AP psychology, Penn Manor High School, Penn Manor School District

·       Brian Wargo, 9-12th grade physics and physical science, Freedom Area High School, Freedom Area School District