2026 Teacher of the Year

An effective instructional leader, Loring creates a classroom environment with high expectations for students who are encouraged to take intellectual risks. She demonstrates genuine warmth and care with each of her students, while simultaneously growing their academic excitement and success. Her dedication to her school and community goes beyond the classroom through her roles as the Drama Club Director, a member of the local Lion’s Club, and an active member and leader at St. Marcellus Church. Loring is an advocate for the teaching profession while serving as a Student Teacher Facilitator/Mentor through Penn West University and Waynesburg University. She is a district leader at Jefferson-Morgan School District, providing professional development opportunities with other math department members and intermediate unit specialists. Loring’s dedication and passion for her students and school led her to being named the Innovator of the Year at Jefferson-Morgan School District during the 2023-2024 school year.

“Educators have a lifelong impact on the learners they serve, inspiring them to dream big, think critically, and aspire to achieve—and this year’s Teacher of the Year finalists are collectively impacting thousands of young lives across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “The 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, Madeline Loring, exemplifies exceptional dedication, service, and passion, and stands as a role model to her students and peers. The Shapiro Administration commends her on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to her future success.”

Through the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program, PDE identifies and honors exemplary teaching and classroom practices across the Commonwealth. NTOY annually recognizes a professional who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; who has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; and who plays an active and useful role in both school and community.

As Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year, Loring will travel the state, meet and collaborate with other educators, and will represent the Commonwealth in the 2027 National Teacher of the Year competition.

The 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.

Loring was one of 12 finalists, including:

• Whitney Bellomo, Dallastown Area School District, York County
• Nicole Birkbeck, Council Rock School District, Bucks County
• Katherine Blandino-Nienhuis, Pittsburgh Public School District, Allegheny County
• Renee Decker, Central York School District, York County
• Madeline Loring, Jefferson-Morgan School District, Greene County
• Jenna Love, Elizabethtown Area School District, Lancaster County
• Jennifer Nesser, Laurel Highlands School District, Fayette County
• Ashley Oldham, Big Spring School District, Cumberland County
• Andrea Rutledge, Hempfield School District, Lancaster County
• Rachel Sebastian, Governor Mifflin School District, Berks County
• Rebecca Showalter, Mount Lebanon School District, Allegheny County
• Elizabeth Troxell, Penns Valley Area School District, Centre County

This year, 523 nominations were submitted for educators to be named 2026 Teacher of the Year.

Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year program on PDE’s website.