Mrs. Hipkins, the fun, up-beat tenth grade English and Film as Literature teacher, and Mr. Qualk, the tech- savvy, intellectually stimulating Physics teacher were both recognized for their contributions to education.

Mr. Qualk was named a 2014 PA Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist.  He was also a 2013 Semi-Finalist.

Mrs. Hipkins was named a 2014 PA Teacher of the Year Finalist, joining two of her English department colleagues in that endeavor, namely Mr. Youngs, a 2009 PA Teacher of the Year Finalist and Mr. Jack, a 2012 PA Teacher of the Year Finalist.

Mrs. Hipkins said: “My classroom is unique due to the students in it. Though I teach four classes of English 10 for example, each period is different. Of course, I team teach with Mr. Jack, who is a former regional Finalist for the same award. Our classroom has a retractable wall and keeping it open allows us to merge our classrooms. Across the hall is Mr. Youngs, who is also a former regional Finalist. I have amazing role models.”

Both Mrs. Hipkins and Mr. Qualk had to write three essays detailing what they have done in their teaching careers, their philosophies on education, and how they run their classrooms.

Mrs. Hipkins said: “I am honored to represent the amazing teachers in this building. The PA Teacher of the Year award could go to several of my colleagues in Bethel Park. It is a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work that teachers put into their profession and writing the essays has caused me to reflect on my teaching.”

Mrs. Hipkins and Mr. Qualk also had to turn in letters of recommendation from an administrator, a fellow teacher, and a parent.

Since Mrs. Hipkins was named a Finalist, she is required to do a series of interviews and video tape a lesson, unedited and continuous.

“I am excited to meet the other Finalists this fall and get a chance to learn from them as well,” Mrs. Hipkins said. “Anytime teachers have the opportunity to get together and share experiences and practices it makes us all better. I am working on a DVD of a lesson plan and several interviews to submit in June. The winner will be announced in December in Hershey.”