HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that Ashlie Crosson, an English teacher at Mifflin County High School, has been named one of four finalists for the 2025 National Teacher of the Year award. The honor, presented by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), recognizes exemplary educators across the nation for their outstanding contributions to the field of education.
“We take pride in our Pennsylvania educators, and it’s exciting to see one of our own recognized in this way on the national stage,” said Interim Acting Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer. “We applaud Ashlie Crosson’s dedication and commitment to her students and school community, and we are excited to cheer her on and celebrate with her as she takes on this tremendous honor of being selected as a National Teacher of the Year finalist.”
Crosson, who holds the title of Pennsylvania’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, teaches Advanced Placement language and composition, English 10, and an elective titled Survival Stories that examines global humanitarian crises from a youth perspective. Beyond her classroom responsibilities, she advises the school’s journalism program, overseeing the production of the school newspaper and district magazine.
If chosen as the National Teacher of the Year, Crosson will serve as an ambassador for education nationwide, advocating on behalf of students and teachers and participating in policy discussions at the state and national levels.
Crosson is joined by three additional finalists for the national title:
- Mikaela Saelua, a high school English teacher and 2025 American Samoa Teacher of the Year
- Janet Renee Damon, a high school history teacher and 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year
- Jazzmyne Townsend, a K-5 English language arts instructional coach and 2025 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year
The CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year program highlights top educators from across the nation, showcasing their work both in and outside the classroom. This accolade includes access to unique professional development opportunities designed to amplify their voices and deepen their contributions to the education sector.
The National Teacher of the Year recipient will be announced in spring 2025.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.