Shaler Area High School science teacher Abbey Nilson was honored last week in Harrisburg as a finalist for the 2023 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. She reflects, “I am so grateful for the experience I had in Hershey. It was so wonderful to meet and connect with wonderful educators from all around the state. The enthusiasm of my students for the environment and for their participation in community projects was what brought me there, and it felt like a celebration of all of their hard work over the last few years! I'm thankful for all the community support from the different organizations that partner with my sustainability classes such as the Allegheny Land Trust, Millvale Community Development Corporation, Triboro Ecodistrict, Millvale Community Library, and the University of Pittsburgh College in High School Program.”
The 2023 Pennsylvania Teach of the Year finalists are:
- Chris Grouzes, Rose Tree Media School District, Delaware County
- Ryan Hardesty, Blackhawk School District, Beaver County
- Julie Hussey, Cumberland Valley School District, Cumberland County
- Brooke Menzen, Jersey Shore Area School District, Lycoming County
- Jackie Miller, New Hope-Solebury School District, Bucks County
- Mary Beth Moslak, West Branch Area School District, Clearfield County
- Abbey Nilson, Shaler Area School District, Allegheny County
- Ashlee Peters-Roberts, Burrell School District, Westmoreland County
- Kristin J. Slota, Pennsbury School District, Bucks County
- Taylor, School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County
- Jason Turka, Bethel Park School District, Allegheny County
- Melissa Unger, South Fayette Township School District, Allegheny & Washington Counties
Nilson has taught science in the district for 14 years. Several years ago, she introduced an elective on sustainability. The course was an immediate hit, with over 70 students enrolling in the first year. The class took students beyond theoretical learning and encouraged them to take action based on what they’d learned. The teens raised over $10,000 to preserve 155 acres in a plot of land known as Girty’s Woods that was bought by the Allegheny Land Trust. They are now raising funds to safeguard the Reserve Shaler Land Protection project. They are within striking distance of their goal of $14,000 by the end of the year.
Donations are accepted here.
Nilson is the third nominee for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in the last several years. Jade Leung and Greg Mason, both science teachers at SAHS, have also been finalists in recent years. Mr. Mason, head of the science department, shares, “We are fortunate every member of the SAHS teaching staff knows their craft and really wants the best for their students. Students get to experience science and learn how to think like a scientist in all of our science classes. The science department is so proud of our most recent finalist, Abbey, and think we have others that are deserving of recognition as well!”