by CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. — A dedicated educator from Penns Valley Area School District has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year award.
Elizabeth Troxell, representing Centre County, joins 11 other outstanding educators statewide in the running for the honor, which recognizes excellence in teaching, student engagement, and community involvement.
What Happened
The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced the 12 finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year award.
The award is part of the National State Teacher of the Year (NSTOY) program, which celebrates educators who inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Key Details
Elizabeth Troxell of the Penns Valley Area School District is Centre County’s representative on this distinguished list.
She is among 12 educators selected across Pennsylvania. Finalists were chosen for their dedication to academic excellence, community impact, and the respect they have earned from students, colleagues, and parents.
The winner will be announced in December and will go on to represent Pennsylvania in the National Teacher of the Year program, culminating in a ceremony at the White House.
Here are the 2026 finalists:
| Name | School District | County |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Troxell | Penns Valley Area SD | Centre |
| Whitney Bellomo | Dallastown Area SD | York |
| Nicole Birkbeck | Council Rock SD | Bucks |
| Katherine Blandino-Nienhuls | Pittsburgh Public SD | Allegheny |
| Renee Decker | Central York SD | York |
| Madeline Loring | Jefferson-Morgan SD | Greene |
| Jenna Love | Elizabethtown Area SD | Lancaster |
| Jennifer Nesser | Laurel Highlands SD | Fayette |
| Ashley Oldham | Big Spring SD | Cumberland |
| Andrea Rutledge | Hempfield SD | Lancaster |
| Rachel Sebastian | Governor Mifflin SD | Berks |
| Rebecca Showalter | Mount Lebanon SD | Allegheny |
Reactions or Statements
Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe praised the impact of great educators across the state.
“Ask anyone if they remember the teacher who inspired them most, and nearly everyone will immediately smile and name an educator from their past,” Rowe said.
She added that the finalists exemplify what it means to be “supportive, engaged, and passionate about the learners in their care.”
What’s Next
The Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year will be announced at a ceremony in December.
The selected teacher will represent the state in regional and national events, including the National Teacher of the Year program at the White House.
Leon Smith of Haverford High School was the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
FAQs
Who is Elizabeth Troxell?
She is a teacher at Penns Valley Area School District in Centre County and a 2026 Teacher of the Year finalist.
When will the winner be announced?
The 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year will be announced in December.
What is the NSTOY program?
The National State Teacher of the Year program honors teachers who make outstanding contributions to education and student development.
What happens after a teacher is selected?
The winner represents Pennsylvania in various events and is honored at the National Teacher of the Year ceremony.
How are finalists chosen?
Finalists are selected based on their teaching excellence, community engagement, and the impact they have on students and schools.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Centre County’s Elizabeth Troxell has earned a well-deserved spot among Pennsylvania’s top educators for 2026.
Her recognition highlights the value of educators who go above and beyond to inspire, support, and lead in the classroom and the community.
The final decision will come later this year, but all 12 nominees represent the best of Pennsylvania’s education system.
