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Celebrating Outstanding Local Teachers
Citadel Heart of Learning Awards
At Citadel Credit Union, we’re committed to serving those who work every day to build a better future for us all. That’s why every year we honor outstanding teachers across the Greater Philadelphia area in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award.
This year's winners will receive our treasured glass heart award and a total of over $100,000 in prizes, including $10,000 for each of the six grand prize winners ($5,000 for the teacher and $5,000 for their school) and $1,000 for each of the other winners. In honor of our 25th anniversary, we will also award a $2,500 prize to three teachers with 25+ years of experience. We're already reviewing thousands of nominations to select the 2026 winners, but were always looking for the area's best teachers! Nominate your favorite now to include them in the running for next year!
How to Submit a Nomination:
You can submit a written nomination form online, a video nomination, or email us at CitadelHeartofLearning@CitadelBanking.com.. To submit a video nomination, you can create a post on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook and tag us @citadelcreditunion on TikTok or @CitadelBanking on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #CitadelHeartofLearning. Just make sure your video shows us exactly why your teacher should be nominated.
Bucks County
2024-25 Grand Prize Winner: Justin Fachet
3rd Grade Teacher, Tinicum Elementary School
Palisades School District
Mr. Fachet’s students describe him as an amazing academic teacher but also an amazing role model. Nominators praised him for his unique teaching style, his ability to connect with students, and his unwavering passion for helping every child thrive. One parent shared, “My son was so inspired by Mr. Fachet that he used a 3D printer to make a ‘Best Teacher Ever’ award to give to him!” It’s clear that Mr. Fachet is an educator who goes above and beyond to inspire and uplift his students, both academically and personally. His approach to education ensures that every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
Additional Bucks County Winners:
- Janet Richard: Willow Dale Elementary School, Literacy Boost Aide, Centennial School District
- Kurt Amen: Quakertown Community High School, Science Teacher, Quakertown Community School District
- Tom Mellon: Charles Boehm Middle School, Science Teacher, Pennsbury School District
- Gene Talarico: Bucks County Technical High School, Technical Teacher, Multiple Districts
Chester County
2024-25 Grand Prize Winner: Jackie Mavrelos
Gifted Support Teacher, Oxford Area High School
Oxford Area School District
“Mrs. Mav”, as her students call her, was described by her nominators as an educator whose kindness and support never wavers. One student shared, “The moment any student enters Mrs. Mav’s classroom, the positivity is palpable, and learning thrives. She pushes me out of my comfort zone and encourages me to have difficult conversations that are necessary for my growth. Mrs. Mav always puts her students before herself.” She is known to support students both in and out of the classroom, helping to lead the Student Assistance Team and frequently attending her students’ extracurricular events.
Additional Chester County Winners:
- Chris Palochak: East Vincent Elementary School, Math & Science Teacher, Owen J. Roberts School District
- Nini McGlinchey: Greystone Elementary School, Kindergarten Teacher, West Chester Area School District
- Christi Barton: Brandywine Wallace Elementary School, 1st Grade Teacher, Downingtown Area School District
- Brittney Ehrenzeller: Phoenixville High School, Spanish & Educators Rising Teacher, Phoenixville School District
- David Maicher: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School, 7th Grade Teacher, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Delaware County
2025-26 Grand Prize Winner: Brittany Hagan
7th Grade English Teacher, Garnet Valley Middle School
Garnet Valley School District
Brittany Hagan is celebrated as a passionate, creative, and compassionate educator who transforms learning into an engaging and memorable experience for her students. With her enthusiasm, humor, and innovative teaching style, she makes school exciting while helping students build confidence and a strong academic foundation. She is deeply committed to knowing and supporting each student not only academically, but personally, creating a classroom where everyone feels safe, valued, and inspired. Beyond her classroom, Brittany volunteers for school events, sports, and musicals, supports students in their extracurricular activities, and shares ideas with fellow educators, extending her impact throughout the school community.
Additional Delaware County Winners:
- Shannon DaMico: Chester Charter Scholars Academy, Math Lab Teacher & Coach, Chester-Upland School District
- Emily Kelley: Penncrest High School, Fine Arts Teacher, Rose Tree Media School District
- Jessica Smith: Bethel Springs Elementary School, Third Grade Teacher, Garnet Valley School District
- Lindsay Toriello-Uliasz: Paxon Hollow Middle School, Life Skills Teacher, Marple Newtown School District
Lancaster County
2024-25 Grand Prize Winner: Teresa Ashby
Kindergarten Teacher, Lafayette Elementary
Lancaster School District
Mrs. Ashby received heartfelt nominations from her students and their families. Described as a mentor, a role model, and a teacher who empowers her students, Mrs. Ashby’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom. One student shared, “She’s like family to us—her love for us is unwavering.” She doesn’t just teach; she inspires, uplifts, and gives her students the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Her encouragement and belief in her students’ potential inspires them to reach new heights, instilling confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Additional Lancaster County Winners:
- Melissa Weaver: Lampeter Elementary School, Health & PE Teacher, Lampeter-Strasburg School District
- Courtney Knapp: Salisbury Elementary School, Kindergarten Teacher, Pequea Valley School District
- Damian Hondares: Linden Hall School, English Teacher, Non-Public Charter
- Courtney Harting: Penn Manor High School, English Teacher, Penn Manor School District
Montgomery County
2024-25 Grand Prize Winner: Teresa Straffin
Autistic Support Teacher (K-2), Enfield Elementary School
Springfield Township School District
Teresa’s nominations included support from over 15 fellow teachers, one of whom said she is “the most selfless amazing, and hard-working teacher I know.” Her dedication to her students, their families and her Special Education team is clear, and she often acts as a mentor to her colleagues, always taking the time to support a teacher in need. With her students, she advocates for each of them and finds ways for them to shine in front of their peers. Her classroom is a sanctuary of inclusion where every student feels seen and celebrated.
Additional Montgomery County Winners:
- Wayne Stratz: The Pathway School, Science Teacher, Non-Public Charter
- James Muscarella: Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Science Teacher, Colonial School District
- Michelle Johnson: Woodland Elementary School, 2nd Grade Teacher, Methacton School District
- Samhita Basuthakur: Spring Ford 7th & 8th Grade Centers, English Teacher, Spring Ford Area School District
Traci Watson Heart Award:
This award recognizes an outstanding fine arts teacher each year. It’s named in honor of an employee of Citadel’s creative team who is sadly no longer with us. Traci had a deep respect for the arts and felt that art & music programs were integral to a student’s overall education.
- Charlie Speicher: Cole Manor Elementary School, Music Teacher, Norristown School District
Philadelphia County
2025-26 Grand Prize Winner: Brittanie Speirs
Special Education Teacher, Autistic Support, Laura W. Waring Elementary School
School District of Philadelphia
Brittanie Speirs is celebrated by students, families, and colleagues as an extraordinary educator whose compassion, dedication, and belief in every child truly change lives. As an autistic support teacher, she creates a safe, structured, and welcoming classroom where students feel understood, valued, and capable of success. Through her individualized approach, she helps students build academic skills, confidence, independence, and important life skills, often guiding them toward remarkable personal and academic growth. Beyond the classroom, Brittanie is a mentor, coach, and fierce advocate for students with autism and diverse learning needs. Her tireless commitment and heart-centered teaching make a lasting impact on her entire school community.
Additional Philadelphia County Winners:
- Michael Andrews: General George A. McCall School, First Grade Teacher, School District of Philadelphia
- Janel Moore-Almond: George Washington Carver High School of Engineering & Science, Eight Grade History, AP US History, and Sociology Teacher, School District of Philadelphia
- Angela Pelosi: Eliza B. Kirkbride Elementary School, Fourth & Fifth Grade ESL Teacher, School District of Philadelphia
- Thuy Ta: Saint Malachy School, Second Grade Teacher, An Independence Mission School
CHOLA 25th Anniversary Winner
Nancy Cubano: Independence Charter School, Grades Sixth – Eighth Spanish Content Lead, School District of Philadelphia
Learn more about our commitment to the community.
Explore NowWatch Our Short Documentary
In this documentary, we take you behind the scenes to celebrate the dedicated teachers who make a difference every day. Watch as we surprise some previous winners and hear from them about what it's like to be a teacher today and play a role in the lives of local students.
• All nominees must be Pennsylvania-certified active teachers in a Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, or Philadelphia county public school or non-public school. Exceptions may include teachers in non-public schools who are not required to be certified, home school teachers, tutors, etc. Retired teachers are eligible as long as retirement date was at max, one year prior to award year.
• For the purpose of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award, a public school shall be defined as a school under the jurisdiction of one of the public school districts listed above and which is publicly funded; employs staff that are required to be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education; and meet the policies, rules, and regulations of the Pennsylvania School Code.
• For the purpose of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award, Charter schools and home schools are categorized as non-public schools.
• For the purpose of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award, cyber school teachers will be eligible for nomination if the student or parent submitting the nomination resides in one of the aforementioned counties.
• All nominees must provide direct instruction to students in a classroom setting. This includes classroom teachers, subject teachers, certified teaching professionals who provide direct instruction to students, k-12, in a classroom setting, such as a reading specialist, speech therapist, learning support teacher, librarian, etc.
