Earlier this year, Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration announced the finalists for the 2020 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

The list includes 1991 Parkland High School graduate Matthew Binder, a teacher of communications technology at Hempfield High School in the Hempfield School District, Lancaster County.

The 12 finalists come from every corner of the commonwealth and include elementary, middle and high school educators in English, the sciences and art.

“Teaching is more than a profession; it is a calling,” Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera said. “Teachers spend their lives educating and serving students, inspiring them to recognize their potential and to achieve their goals. The Department of Education applauds this year’s finalists, who represent the commitment and professionalism that so many Pennsylvania educators share.”

The winner will be announced in December.

Binder was also one of 36 semifinalists for the 2019 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, as well.

In addition, The Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College recognized seven outstanding media mentors from across the United States with S’Park Media Mentor Awards.

The annual awards honor high school teachers and advisers who are committed to igniting a passion for media in their students.

One of the seven mentors was Binder, who supervises the production of several student news programs, including the monthly “Hempfield Happenings.”

In 2017, Binder worked with HHS students on Disabilities Partnership TV, promoting awareness for those with disabilities in both the United States and Russia.