And the Winners are…..

Lindsay Zarichnak, Roy A. Hunt Elementary, New Kensington-Arnold School Distrct (Westmoreland)

Sarah Cornibe, Pittsburgh Obama 6-12, Pittsburgh, Public Schools (Allegheny)

Shyanne Rippole, Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School, Sto-Rox School District (Allegheny

Ava Ekstam, St. Stephen’s Academy, Glade Run Lutheran Services (Butler)

Drew Banks, Teacher Assistant at Manchester Academic Charter School (Allegheny)

Michelle Collins, Assistant Principal, Woodland Hills Sr./Jr. High School, Woodland Hills School District (Allegheny)

2023-24 School Year Finalists

Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Crystal Ecker, Mon Valley School, Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 (Allegheny)

Andrea Hartley, Penn Hills Elementary School, Penn Hills School District (Allegheny)

Lindsay Zarichnak, Roy A. Hunt Elementary, New Kensington-Arnold School Distrct (Westmoreland)

Middle School Teacher of the Year

Sarah Cornibe, Pittsburgh Obama 6-12, Pittsburgh, Public Schools (Allegheny)

Leah Kutschbach, Propel Montour Middle/High School, Propel Charter Schools (Allegheny)

Ron Snyder, The Neighborhood Academy (Allegheny)

High School Teacher of the Year

Alice Lee, Propel Charter Schools (Allegheny County)

Major Christopher James Augustine, Pittsburgh Perry High School, Pittsburgh Public Schools (Allegheny)

Shyanne Rippole, Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School, Sto-Rox School District (Allegheny

Rookie Teacher of the Year

Drew Lynd, Monessen Elementary Center, Monessen City School District (Westmorland)

Ava Ekstam, St. Stephen’s Academy, Glade Run Lutheran Services (Butler)

Quinn Roth, South Allegheny Middle/High School, South Allegheny School District (Allegheny)

Outstanding Non-Instructional/Support Staff

Drew Banks, Teacher Assistant at Manchester Academic Charter School (Allegheny)

Rebecca Braithwaite, School Psychologist at Crafton Elementary School, Carlynton School District (Allegheny)

Toni Allen, Student Services Assistant at Pittsburgh Student Achievement Center, Pittsburgh Public Schools (Allegheny)

Principal of the Year

Michelle Collins, Woodland Hills Sr./Jr. High School, Woodland Hills School District (Allegheny)

Brandy Dietrich, St. Stephen’s Academy, Glade Run Lutheran Services (Butler)

Chuck Michael, South Allegheny Middle/High School, South Allegheny School District (Allegheny)

About The Education Partnership’s Teacher Appreciation Awards

These awards honor the outstanding individuals who make our local partner schools thrive and shape the future of education in the region. By nominating, you play a vital role in:

Shining a spotlight on excellence: Celebrate the exceptional educators, administrators, and staff who go above and beyond in fostering student success.
Advancing Public Awareness: Draw public attention to the crucial role quality educators play in building a brighter future for regional schools.
Empowering Exceptional Talent: Provide tangible recognition that fuels professional growth and strengthens our community of educators.

Do you have additional questions about the award process? Learn more in our 2024 Teacher Appreciation Awards Information Packet

The Selection Committee Rubric Example can be found here: 2023-24 Teacher Appreciation Awards Nomination Rubric