Indiana County Teacher of the Month
Fill out the form below and hit submit. We’ll pick a new teacher each month and if we choose your nominee, we’ll ask you for a photo!
Nominate an Indiana County Teacher of the Month TODAY! Here are our Teachers of the Month: Jillian Fun, Ben Franklin Elementary, 3rd grade; Jill Kaszubowski, Ben Franklin Elementary,  2nd grade; Jon Stolarz,  Homer-Center K-12; Alicia Haggerty, Indiana Middle School, 9th grade English; Kristy Hopper, Pre K, McCreery Elementary (Marion Center); Courtney Scherf, High School/Art and Photography, Blairsville High School; Lori Dadson, Senior High Life Skills, Indiana Senior High School; Heidi Allison, Indiana County Technology Center; Caroline Curran, Saltsburg High School; Chris Carpenter, Penns Manor Elementary; Katie Lakatosh, Kindergarten, Ben Franklin Elementary; Diane Antonacci, Blairsville elementary; Wendy Jasper, Blairsville High School; Heidi Martel, East Pike Elementary; Rebecca Blews, Rayne Elementary.
Ben Franklin Elementary
Pre K
Danielle Olear goes above and beyond for her students. She is also the mother of 2 young girls and yet spends so much time on her students. Her compassion and dedication is seen each day as each boy and girl walks into her classroom. I am blessed to work along with her each day and watching the students grow.
United Elementary
Fourth and Fifth Grade Math/Science
Mrs. Gapshes has devoted herself to getting to know her stuff dents and delivering educational activities that allow students success and promote mastery by holding students to high standards. She has done hours of research in order to know each concept that the students need to master. She is highly familiar with altering her instruction to reach students both above and below grade level and is tireless in that pursuit while maintaining both social and emotional well-being in her students. She sets guidelines and safety nets so her students always know what they need to achieve and how to get help along the way. Mrs. Gashes is a critical part of the educational success that United enjoys.
Ben Franklin Elementary
3rd grade
Goes above and beyond to keep parents informed and up to date on the lessons for the upcoming week. Gets students engaged and excited about math. Is fun, flexible, and you can tell she loves what she does. Responds immediately to emails and stays on top of things. Oh, and the class pets she has: hermit crabs
Ben Franklin Elementary
2nd grade
Ms. Kasz is inspirational to all of her students. She is kind, compassionate and understanding all while holding clear expectations and high standards for academic achievement. She shares her love of the environment and protecting our world with her students. She is thoughtful and celebrates each of her students successes. She is dedicated to her procession and spends countless hours ensuring she provides the best education possible to her students.
Homer-Center
K-12
Mr. Stolarz puts in extra effort over and above what could be expected. Overseeing the band programs at Homer-Center K-12, he also is responsible for the musical pit, indoor percussion, and marching band. Because of his efforts, the students at Homer-Center have been exposed to opportunities which have accelerated their level of responsibilities, talents and opportunities. Band participation rates continue to rise and meet higher levels than before during Mr. Stolarz’s tenure and the district is very fortunate to have him there!
Indiana Middle School
9th grade English
Loved by her students for her innovative teaching exercises
Blairsville Elementary
Fourth Grade : Reading/Language Art/ American History
I would like to nominate my colleague, Mrs. Diane Antonacci for Indiana County’s Teacher of the Month. Diane has been teaching with the Blairsville-Saltsburg School district for 18 years. She has received many accolades during her teaching tenure and has recently chaired the Athena Club at Blairsville Elementary.
The Athena Club aims to empower girls to do good for others. The club has eight special areas: living authentically, learning constantly, advocating fiercely, acting courageously, fostering collaboration, building relationships, giving back and celebrating. Members use these areas as a basis for numerous community service projects and activities.
Diane has such a passion for teaching and is driven to give her students the absolute best. She unselfishly devotes her time and energy and never once questioned her career path. For all of the young men and woman who have been influenced, I believe Mrs. Diane Antonacci should be recognized as Indiana County’s Teacher of the Month. ~ Linzi Strong
Adelphoi Village
7-12 PE, Math and Social Studies
He has taught 20 years at this non-profit school working with the youth. He has always tried to make a difference in each of these kids lives. Some even coming back after they graduate saying he was the one teacher that believed in them and made a difference! I want him to know that all the extra time and effort doesn’t go unnoticed. He’s making a difference one child at a time.