The Pennsylvania Department of Education recently announced Benjamin Hoffman, of the Kutztown Area School District, was one of 12 educators nominated to be the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

“The Shapiro Administration commends these excellent educators for their commitment to their schools, students, and communities and there is no better time to celebrate them than during Teacher Appreciation Week,” Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin said on May 12 in a news release. “Engaged and enthusiastic teachers inspire their students to reach infinite possibilities of success, and can quite literally impact learners for life.”

Each year, the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Program recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring K-12 teachers in public education who have made outstanding academic contributions to Pennsylvania’s school-aged children.

The 12 finalists are selected from applicants and recognized in Harrisburg each fall.

Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year will be announced at a state awards ceremony in December and represents the commonwealth at various national, regional and local functions culminating in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House.