An educator from Greene County has been named the 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe announced Monday that Madeline Loring, a fourth grade teacher at Jefferson-Morgan School District, had won the award.
Rachel Sebastian, a librarian at Brecknock Elementary School in the Gov. Mifflin School District, was one of 12 finalists vying for the honor.
Shapiro, in announcing the winner, said the award is a symbol of the state’s support for teachers.
“Educators — whether a teacher, a principal, or an administrator — do critical work each and every day to prepare our kids for the future,” he said. “A lot of the time, our teachers don’t get the credit or support you deserve despite having our students’ back every single day. I want Pennsylvania’s teachers to know that I have their backs, and will continue to build on the progress we’ve made together.
“I’m grateful for moments like today where we get to celebrate the work that teachers do every day.”
Loring has 13 years of teaching experience, including fourth grade mathematics, kindergarten, high school learning support and life skills support.
State officials said that she is an effective instructional leader, creating a classroom environment with high expectations for students who are encouraged to take intellectual risks. She also demonstrates genuine warmth and care with each of her students, state officials said, while growing students’ academic excitement and success.
Loring’s dedication to her school and community goes beyond the classroom, state officials said, through her roles as the drama club director, a member of the local Lions Club and an active church member and leader.
State officials said Loring is an advocate for the teaching profession while serving as a student teacher facilitator and mentor through Penn West University and Waynesburg University. She is a leader at Jefferson-Morgan School District, providing professional development opportunities with other math department members and intermediate unit specialists.
“Educators have a lifelong impact on the learners they serve, inspiring them to dream big, think critically, and aspire to achieve — and this year’s Teacher of the Year finalists are collectively impacting thousands of young lives across the Commonwealth,” Rowe said. “The 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, Madeline Loring, exemplifies exceptional dedication, service and passion, and stands as a role model to her students and peers.
“The Shapiro administration commends her on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to her future success.”
As Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year, Loring will travel the state, meet and collaborate with other educators, and will represent the commonwealth in the 2027 National Teacher of the Year competition.