Greene County teacher named 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year

Madeline Loring, a teacher at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School in Greene County, has been named the 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made by Governor Josh Shapiro and Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe during the SAS Institute convening, which is the annual professional development conference organized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Governor Shapiro commented on the recognition, stating, "Educators - whether a teacher, a principal, or an administrator - do critical work each and every day to prepare our kids for the future. A lot of the time, our teachers don't get the credit or support you deserve despite having our students' back every single day. I want Pennsylvania's teachers to know that I have their backs, and will continue to build on the progress we've made together. I'm grateful for moments like today where we get to celebrate the work that teachers do every day."

Loring currently teaches fourth grade at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School and has 13 years of experience in education. Her background includes teaching fourth grade mathematics as well as kindergarten, high school learning support, and life skills support. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education with a minor in Political Science from Waynesburg University. Additionally, she holds a master's degree in Administrative Leadership and a Library Science certification from California University of Pennsylvania.

The Teacher of the Year award highlights educators who demonstrate dedication to their profession and make significant contributions to student learning across Pennsylvania.