Madeline (Snyder ’11) Loring has been named the 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Governor Josh Shapiro and Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe made the announcement Monday, Dec. 8, at the SAS Institute, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s annual professional development conference, in Hershey.
Dr. Carrie Rowe (left) and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
Loring was one of 12 finalists and is the second Waynesburg alumnus to be selected as Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, with Ryan Devlin (’07) achieving the honor in 2013.
Loring has been an educator for 13 years and currently teaches fourth grade at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School. She has previously taught fourth grade mathematics, kindergarten, high school learning support and life skills support. Loring received her Bachelor of Arts in elementary and special education with a minor in political science from Waynesburg and was part of the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership, the cheerleading squad and Kappa Pi Delta, the Education fraternity on campus. She went on to earn a master’s degree in administrative leadership as well as a library science certification from California University of Pennsylvania.
“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,” said Rowe. “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.”
“I am truly humbled and honored to even be considered for such a wonderful recognition,” said Loring in a recent interview. “As teachers, we normally don’t go into this profession to be recognized. We do it because we care about the kids that we proudly serve in our communities. I feel grateful to be part of such a prestigious group of teachers.”
Loring also credited her experience at Waynesburg for preparing her for a career in education.
“I loved my time at Waynesburg University as a student,” said Loring. “The biggest thing about Waynesburg is that you are not just a number – you are a name. I would compel anyone that’s in high school that’s looking to attend a small school with Christian values that is committed to service to look no further than Waynesburg University.”
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), “Loring creates a classroom environment with high expectations for students who are encouraged to take intellectual risks. She demonstrates genuine warmth and care with each of her students, while simultaneously growing their academic excitement and success. Her dedication to her school and community goes beyond the classroom through her roles as the Drama Club Director, a member of the local Lion’s Club, and an active member and leader at St. Marcellus Church.
“Loring is an advocate for the teaching profession while serving as a Student Teacher Facilitator/Mentor through Penn West University and Waynesburg University. She is a district leader at Jefferson-Morgan School District, providing professional development opportunities with other math department members and intermediate unit specialists. Loring’s dedication and passion for her students and school led her to being named the Innovator of the Year at Jefferson-Morgan School District during the 2023-2024 school year.”
Through the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program, the PDE identifies and honors exemplary teaching and classroom practices across the Commonwealth. NTOY 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 and useful role in both school and community. Through the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program, PDE identifies and honors exemplary teaching and classroom practices across the Commonwealth. NTOY 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 and useful role in both school and community.
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.
The Teacher of the Year program is co-sponsored by PDE and the Pennsylvania chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year, which was founded in 1995.
About the Department of Education at Waynesburg University
At Waynesburg University, you'll take classes that emphasize the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for successful teaching in the 21st century classroom. Your studies will focus upon research-based, developmentally appropriate instructional practices. Field experiences are integrated with course work beginning in the freshman year.
You can specialize in early childhood, middle level or secondary education with a focus on social studies, science, mathematics, or English.
About the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership
Waynesburg University's Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership is an interdisciplinary scholarly center dedicated to bringing insights from the U.S. Constitution's Founding Era and from Christianity to bear in the contemporary public square, with the ultimate goal of creatively transforming the ethical state of the polis.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
