Pennsylvania Department of Education is encouraging Pennsylvanians to nominate an outstanding educator to be the commonwealth’s 2027 Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence in teaching and honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to learners in Pennsylvania, according to a recent news release.

Nominations will be accepted until Dec. 15.

The 2027 Teacher of the Year will be announced at an awards ceremony in December 2026 and will represent Pennsylvania at various local, regional and national functions culminating in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Through the National State Teacher of the Year program, the Pennsylvania Department of Education identifies and honors exemplary teaching and classroom practices across the commonwealth.

“NSTOY annually recognizes a professional who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn, who has the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues and who plays an active role in their school and community,” the news release continues.

The Teacher of the Year program is cosponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year, which was founded in 1995.

The 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year is Leon Smith, who teaches ninth-grade honors and Advanced Placement social studies, as well as 10th- to 12th-grade African-American studies at Haverford Township School in Havertown.

The 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year is scheduled to be announced Dec. 8.

Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website, pa.gov/agencies/education, or on social media for details.