2 District Teachers Finalists for State Honor

Individually, Lori Gallagher and Nicole Miletto work to lead, inspire and challenge their students. 

Gallagher, a Hatboro-Horsham High School art teacher of 24 years and Miletto, a Hallowell Elementary School third-grade teacher of six years, are leading the district–and the state of Pennsylvania–by example. 

Both Gallagher and Miletto are among the 12 finalists for the state's 2014 Teacher of the Year award. Gov. Tom Corbett and Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis announced the 2014 Teacher of the Year finalists earlier this week.

Teacher of the Year nominee Lori Gallagher

Gallagher, of Souderton, was nominated for the coveted recognition by a former student turned current supervisor, high school Principal Dennis Williams. 

In his nomination letter, Williams shared that Gallagher has the dual ability to "reach a troubled or struggling student with simple, yet profound motherly instincts" and can "accelerate and challenge her brightest of students."

"Ms. Gallagher does not work or serve for awards or accolades, but simply to inspire and impact all those she comes in contact with each day," Williams wrote. "She has mastered the elusive art of being firm but fair; having rules yet maintaining rapport, and keenly remembering that though she teaches a distinct content/subject area … she is truly teaching “children” whom she freely offers love, acceptance, and grace."

Gallagher teaches art to grades 9 through 12 in Advanced Placement studio art (drawing and 2-D design portfolios); art major I; art major II; introduction to painting; and ceramics. Additionally, Gallagher has been the department chair for the Art, Family and Consumer Science, Music, and Technology Education department for the past seven years.

“I find great joy in those ‘ah-ha’ moments when a student moves from confusion to understanding, from frustration to confidence,” Gallagher said in a press release. “I take great pride in helping students reach toward their highest potential and watching them discover how they can make the world a better place.”

Teacher of the Year nominee Nicole Miletto

Hallowell Principal Steven Glaize said a collaborative effort among the school's administrative team led to Miletto's nomination and subsequent selection as a Teacher of the Year finalist.

Glaize, in his nomination letter, said that Miletto strengthens student leadership through various initiatives, including her class' volunteer work with organization Cradles to Crayonsstudents spent time cleaning and helping to organize toys and other Cradles to Crayons donations.

Glaize highlighted Miletto's success in developing student leadership notebooks with her class based on Franklin Covey's "The Leader in Me." He attributed Miletto's extensive technology use in overall student progress monitoring as a catalyst for student reading PSSA increases from 81.6 percent proficient to 91.9 percent and math PSSA increases from 91.8 percent to 97.3 percent.

Miletto also leads a morning workout for students in third- and fourth-grades and formed the school's Girls on the Run program after school to help teach students healthy life skills.

"Miss Miletto is focused upon the holistic development of each child, and makes a genuine connection with each child she teaches," Glaize wrote in his recommendation. "Her level of creative innovation and student-centered leadership are unsurpassed. She is a caring, committed, and innovative educator and a passionate person with integrity who is most worthy of recognition for her effort and accomplishments."

In a press release issued by the district, Miletto, of Oreland, said she enjoys seeing her students grow and become independent, confident individuals who care about each other.

“I don’t believe there is any other profession where you can get that satisfaction,” Miletto said. “I enjoy getting to know my students academically and personally. Coming to school and not knowing what each day will bring is a challenge that I look forward to. Being a teacher allows me to learn something new daily.”

Choosing a Teacher of the Year

In order to be considered a nominee for Teacher of the Year, educators must demonstrate a stringent set of criteria which includes:

• Being an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled educator
• Incorporating effective and innovative instructional strategies, particularly elements of Standards Aligned Systems
• Inspire students of all backgrounds to learn
• Have the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues
• Play an active role in the school and community

The Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year program recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers in public education who have made outstanding academic contributions to Pennsylvania's school-aged children.

The National Teacher of the Year program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Teacher of the Year program began in 1995. The national program works with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to support the program by providing services and materials to select and honor the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

The Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year award winner will be announced later this year.