Article Summary –
Madeline Loring, recognized as Pennsylvania’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, aims to inspire more individuals to enter the teaching profession amidst a significant teacher shortage in the state, which saw a drop from 19,000 new teachers certified in 2013 to approximately 6,200 in 2024. She plans to collaborate with Gov. Josh Shapiro and acting Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe to expand initiatives like the student teacher stipend program, offering financial assistance of up to $15,000 to encourage and support aspiring educators. Loring emphasizes the importance of maintaining the initial passion for teaching, advocating for more connections with students to spark their interest in pursuing education careers, and showcasing the impact of small, resource-limited communities like her own.
Madeline Loring, Pennsylvania’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, aims to inspire others to join the education sector, a field she adored since childhood thanks to her own teachers.
“It’s a calling, and I’d love to help young adults respond to that call statewide,” Loring said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and acting Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe announced on Dec. 8 that Loring earned the teacher of the year title. A Jefferson native, Loring lives on a fifth-generation family farm with her husband and three children. She teaches fourth grade at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary in Greene County and is in her 14th teaching year.
Loring was one of 12 finalists among 523 nominations for this award. The Teacher of the Year program is a collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year.
In 2026, Loring will travel statewide to collaborate with educators and represent Pennsylvania in the National Teacher of the Year program.
“Educators inspire learners to dream and think critically,” Rowe stated in a press release. “Madeline Loring showcases dedication and passion, and stands as a role model. The Shapiro administration applauds her success.”
Loring plans to work with Shapiro and Rowe to address the national teacher shortage affecting Pennsylvania. Research by Penn State’s Ed Fuller and Emily Walsh shows Pennsylvania certified 19,000 new teachers in 2013, which dwindled to about 6,200 in 2024, leaving an annual shortfall of 4,000 teachers.
Loring advocates for expanding the state’s student teacher stipend program, offering up to $15,000 in financial support for in-classroom training. She seeks to ignite interest among students to join the education field.
“Whether in year five or year 25, we must celebrate the spark that brought us to education and engage with students,” Loring said. “Connecting with students excites them about school and may inspire them to consider teaching as a profession.”
Loring became a teacher due to inspiring educators she had growing up.
“I was motivated to teach because of the creative and genuine teachers I encountered,” she said.
She envisions promoting her rural district, Jefferson-Morgan, and demonstrating its student empowerment.
“Our community may be small, but our Rocket Pride is huge,” Loring said, referencing the district’s mascot. “Your zip code shouldn’t limit your ability to create memorable moments for children.”
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