The semi-finalists for the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year award have been announced, and beloved Leaders Heights first-grade teacher Whitney Bellomo is one of them.
In the fall of this school year, Bellomo was notified that she was one of the 400+ PA Teacher of the Year nominees. The teachers submitted the first round of applications in January, and on Feb. 14, the semi-finalists were announced. The final 12 teachers will be announced at the end of April, and the winner will be revealed in December 2025.
Although the process is time-consuming, Bellomo understands it’s necessary to find the best PA representative.
“I think Pennsylvania is ensuring they have the best representation of what they expect our teachers to produce. We are lucky at Dallastown because we have a fantastic curriculum that naturally holds us up to high standards,” Bellomo said.
Even with Dallastown’s high expectations, there are always teachers whose mindset leads them to go above and beyond.
“In the teaching world, everything you do is for kids. While receiving this amazing nomination is a huge honor, the true accolades in teaching come from watching my kids learn.”
And in Bellomo’s class, learning is not only encouraged, but also fun.
“Learning was something I wanted to do when I was in her class; it didn’t feel like a chore,” former student Chloe Oyler stated.
When asked about Bellomo, her students had very similar things to say.
“She’s really fun and she makes me like math,” said one first grader. Another one said, “I like being in her class and I like that she gives us candy at the end of the day.”
Bellomo was nominated for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year by parent Rachael Lattanzio. With both of her daughters having Bellomo as a teacher, Lattanzio saw firsthand the impact she has on her students.
“She has a remarkable ability to combine warmth with attentiveness, and structure with creativity. She knows how to meet each child exactly where they are, academically and emotionally. She doesn’t see students as just learners; she sees them as individuals with unique stories and potential,” Lattanzio said.
As a college professor, she is in constant awe of what Bellomo is able to accomplish in her classroom.
“Mrs. Bellomo isn’t just teaching content—she’s watching out for the whole child. Her teaching has had a profound and lasting effect on both of my daughters, despite their very different learning styles and needs. Her consistent commitment to all of her students is inspiring and deserves to be recognized at the highest level.”
What makes Bellomo such a great teacher? Not a day goes by that she doesn’t feel blessed in her classroom.
“You have to love this job, you have to love being around kids, and sure there are hard days, but when you step in here its the bubble of being with kids who want nothing more than for you to see their worth, and it reminds you of why you do what you do. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in first grade. I had no doubt that this is what I was meant to do.”
In her second year of teaching, Bellomo tragically lost a student at the York Fair.
“ I never thought that I could lose kids; that wasn’t a part of what I trained for. So it made me love and appreciate my kids in every component because it made me realize how valuable it is.”
Matthew’s death was devastating for Bellomo. Though it was only her second year of teaching, this tragedy completely changed her career trajectory and made her the teacher she is today.
“Matthew made me a better teacher. He taught me what no textbook could teach me, he taught me to embrace and love what I do, he taught me to be giving to the community, and he taught me how to be a better mom too. And to love and appreciate experiences. So for him I’m grateful.”
With this nomination, Bellomo can’t help but think of Matthew and thank him for everything he taught her. With him in mind, Bellomo feels a deeper meaning to the nomination that she is forever grateful for.
“It makes you realize everything we’ve done and everything you do each day. You can get lost in the hustle and bustle, but you’re changing kids’ lives. That’s a gift that I hope no teacher takes for granted.”
The impact Bellomo has on her students is life-changing. She knows how to set her students up for success and cares about them as students and individuals. On April 25, Bellomo will find out if she is selected to be a finalist. Her former students are certain that her unwavering commitment to everyone she teaches will shine through, right into the judges’ hearts.
