Twelve teachers from across the state are up for the coveted “Teacher of the Year” award for Pennsylvania. One of those nominees is a teacher who works in our region.

Jill Geesey has been teaching 9th grade English at Penns Valley Area High School for 29 years. This is the first time she’s been nominated for the Teacher of the Year award.

“I love the students. Every day is a different day – I learn from them, they learn from me,” Geesey said. “It’s never the same, it’s never dull.”

This is Rachel Wert’s second time taking class with Mrs. Geesey. First, in 9th grade and now, as a junior.

“She just genuinely cares. She wants to know how your day went, she wants to know what you’re excited about,” Wert said. “She just prepared me for the fact that in high school, you have different expectations. You have to step up to the plate and do your best and she made it that it wasn’t that those expectations were out of reach.”

Penns Valley had Teacher of the Year finalists for the past five years. Last year, they had two finalists and in 2012, their teacher won.

“I really attribute that to all of the incredible work that our staff does every day,” Brian Griffith, Superintendent, said. “Penns Valley is known for its academic excellence and I believe our teachers represent, not only ourselves, but the institution of education, very well.”

The 2017 Teacher of the Year will be announced in December.

“I’m very fortunate and I’m a very small piece of a large puzzle here,” Geesey said.

To see a list of all of the nominees, click here.