WASHINGTON, DC (EYT) – The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) has announced the finalists for the 2014 National Teacher of the Year.
Ryan Devlin, a 11th-grade English and 9- 12th-grade technology teacher at Brockway Area Junior/Senior High School, Jefferson County, has been selected as one of four finalists for the prestigious award.
He has taught for seven years and serves as head of the English department. Devlin also serves as the school’s head cross country coach and the senior high gifted advisor.
He is an active member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, National Education Association, and the Brockway Area Education Association. Outside of school, he frequently speaks at state conferences and college campuses and is a cooperating teacher for Clarion University’s student teaching program.
Devlin also helped write Pennsylvania’s new Core Standards English Language Arts Curriculum and over the years has won multiple grants for his innovative use of technology in the classroom.
“Today’s children will indeed become tomorrow’s leaders, so we must teach them ways to find creative solutions to complex problems through collaborating with others and making the best use of technology,” Devlin said.
With a B.A. in secondary English education from Waynesburg University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from California University of Pennsylvania, Devlin also holds teaching certificates in English (grades 7-12), business/computers (grades K-12), and library science (grades K-12).
In addition to teaching, which includes technology workshops for student interns at Clarion University, Devlin is a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, teaches vacation Bible School, and is involved in several after-school programs and activities.
Yesterday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett congratulated for being selected as a finalist for the prestigious award.
“On behalf of all Pennsylvania citizens, I congratulate Ryan for being chosen to represent Pennsylvania at the national level,” Corbett said. “Ryan’s commitment to his students is a shining example of the thousands of Pennsylvania educators who are dedicated to ensuring that students are prepared for a bright and successful future.”
In December 2012, Devlin was named Pennsylvania’s 2013 Teacher of the Year.
The National Teacher of the Year Program, which began in 1952, is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. Every year, each state selects a state teacher of the year to participate in the national program.
The winner of the award will be announced in April and will be recognized during a ceremony at the White House.
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