Upper Dublin teacher named finalist for Teacher of Year award

Upper Dublin School District

Upper Dublin teacher named finalist for Teacher of Year award

May 11, 2026May 11, 2026

A teacher in the Upper Dublin School District has been named one of 12 finalists for Pennsylvania Department of Education’s 2027 Teacher of the Year award.

Heather Boyer was selected from among teachers across the Commonwealth as part of the state’s annual recognition of outstanding classroom educators.

Boyer is well known in the Upper Dublin community not only for her work in the classroom, but also for her accomplishments as a coach. In 2024, she was named Pennsylvania’s Softball Coach of the Year.

State education officials announced the finalists this week, highlighting teachers who have demonstrated excellence in instruction and a commitment to helping students succeed both academically and personally.

“These educators represent the very best in teaching,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe in a statement released by the department.

The Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators who inspire students of all backgrounds, earn the respect of students and colleagues, and play an active role in their schools and communities.

The winner of Pennsylvania’s 2027 Teacher of the Year award will be announced during a statewide ceremony in December. The selected educator will serve as an ambassador for public education across the Commonwealth and go on to represent Pennsylvania in the National State Teacher of the Year Program, which culminates in the national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C..

Pennsylvania educators have recently earned national recognition. Earlier this month, Leon Smith, a social studies teacher at Haverford High School, was named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year, marking the second consecutive year that a Pennsylvania teacher has received the honor.

The 12 finalists are: