“I honestly cannot believe I’ve made it this far!”
That’s what Brittney Bell says about her place among the top twelve finalists in the running for the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year award.
While she might never have imagined such an honor for herself, she certainly imagined becoming a teacher. In fact, she says she’s always known it’s what she wanted to do with her life. Inspired by a few special teachers of her own, Brittney recalls having spent many childhood days “teaching” her stuffed animals – with her twin sister serving as her assistant. “I saw what an impact teachers can make, and I wanted to have that impact,” she says.
It seems she grew up to do exactly that, as evidenced by her school district administration’s decision to nominate her for the most prestigious recognition a Pennsylvania educator can receive.
A fifth grade ELA teacher at Carmichaels Area Elementary Center for the past nine years, Brittney clearly loves not only her profession, but more importantly, her students. It’s important to her to help create a space where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged.
Brittney says that, for her, building foundational relationships with students and their families always serves as the important first step in teaching effectively. “I love getting to know the kids and who they are as people. I love cheering them on in and outside of school.”
She explains that, as a teacher, she lives by the saying, “You will have a hard time reaching the mind without first reaching the heart.” Brittney finds that when her students know she loves them and wants the best for them as human beings, they tend to show up more willing to work hard at what she asks of them academically. “I like that they become a part of my heart and my family,” she says. “I like challenging them to reach their full potential without fear of failure.”
Brittney’s found herself leading by example in that regard while walking each step of the Teacher of the Year nomination process: She’s provided written and video submissions, took part in a blind interview, and even traveled to Harrisburg to meet with other finalists and the Governor—an experience she describes as having felt surreal. “It’s been incredible to go through these rounds and reflect on what I am doing in the classroom,” she says.
Also incredible, she points out, is the support she’s received from her community of coworkers. “I definitely didn’t make it through all of these rounds on my own,” Brittney says, noting how her friends have stepped up, cheered her on, and calmed her down when she’s needed it most.
The 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year will be announced this December. Although Brittney would naturally feel honored to win, she says, “For me, this experience isn’t about winning. For me, it is really an honor to be able to represent Carmichaels. I really just want to make my students, my teammates, and my family proud.”
