Lower Merion Elementary Teacher Named Teacher Of The Year Finalist By State Education Department

A Lower Merion School District educator received statewide recognition recently, being named to the finals of the Teacher of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the District announced recently.

Cynwyd Elementary School first grade teacher Megan Henry was among 12 other educators who were named finalists for the award.

“I feel fortunate to be part of such a wonderful, caring and dedicated school community," Henry said in a statement. “This is not an individual honor; it is a reflection of our amazing team at Cynwyd and our incredible students and parents.”

Henry was nominated by a former student, Mitchell Collins, who thought Henry's achievements in the classroom and community deserved recognition, the district said.

Henry began a rigorous year-long vetting process as members of the PDE and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year evaluated criteria such as personal educational history, professional development, professional philosophy and more, the district said. Henry earned high marks for fostering a classroom environment that values collaboration, curiosity and creative expression, according to the district.

"The Cynwyd community is very proud of Ms. Henry," Principal Dr. Dan Martino said in a statement. "This honor is a testament to her drive and desire to bring out the best in herself, her team, and most importantly, her students. She is someone who is extremely organized, determined and dedicated to her craft. The PDE's recognition of Ms. Henry as a state finalist and recipient of the Keystone Award of Excellence is well-deserved and is a reflection of her passion and commitment to education."

As a finalist, Henry also received the Keystone Award for Excellence and was inducted in to the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, the district said.

Image via Lower Merion School District