North Hills Middle School teacher named Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year

A North Hills School District teacher has been named the 2020 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, state Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera announced Monday.

Joseph Welch, who teaches American history at North Hills Middle School, was one of 12 finalists nominated for the honor.

“Thank you for making every day fun, enjoyable and overwhelming,” Welch said during his acceptance speech, thanking his students. “I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t laugh, or smile, or sometimes even cry.”

Welch was previously named Pennsylvania History Teacher of the Year and National History Teacher of the Year.

“Joe Welch is a dynamic educator and model for everyone in our school and in our district,” said North Hills Middle School Principal David Lieberman. “We’re honored to have him as one of our faculty members and a member of our district.”

He was nominated by students, parents, peers and members of the community who wanted to recognize his work.

“Mr. Welch is dedicated to helping his students learn by bringing history to life through acting, film-making, music, art, and story-telling,” Senator Lindsey Williams said in a statement. “He engages students in ways that help them understand why events happened and inspires them to think critically about how they might act in similar situations. Congratulations to Mr. Welch on this well-deserved recognition!”

Over the next year, Welch will travel the state to meet with other teachers and share teaching practices, according to a statement from the state Department of Education.

Welch will represent Pennsylvania in the national Teacher of the Year competition.

“Teachers make a difference every day in the lives of their students by inspiring and motivating them to learn,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement. “It is my pleasure to congratulate Mr. Welch on receiving this distinguished honor and to thank the Teacher of the Year candidates and all educators for their dedication and service to our students.”

Paolo Tolomeo, who teaches at Haine Elementary School in the Seneca Valley School District in Butler County, was also among the 12 finalists considered for the award.