Mt. Lebanon music educator finalist for PA Teacher of the Year
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While Rebecca Showalter likes the spotlight to shine on her music students, she is getting some deserved attention as one of 12 finalists for the 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
Showalter teaches music at Hoover and Lincoln elementary schools in the Mt. Lebanon School District. She joined the district in December 2022 after a decade in the Canon-McMillan School District.
“It’s such an honor,” Showalter said. “I’m not used to being in the spotlight, so it’s an area of learning, for sure, but I think it’s so important that there is an award that recognizes and honors teachers, so I’m grateful that the award exists and humbled that I was nominated and humbled that I’ve gotten this far in the process.”
Through the National State Teacher of the Year (NSTOY) program, the Pennsylvania Department of Education identifies and honors exemplary teaching and classroom practices across the commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Program recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring PreK-12 teachers in public education who have made outstanding academic contributions to Pennsylvania’s school-aged children.
Showalter said the application process was in-depth, including submitting multiple essays, interviews and a 15-minute recorded teaching episode that exhibits effective instructional strategies. Recommendation letters were submitted by a colleague, principal and student parent.
The finalists gave a presentation in Harrisburg earlier this month and were part of more interviews.
Pennsylvania’s 2026 Teacher of the Year will be announced at an awards ceremony in December and will represent the state at various local, regional and national functions culminating in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House.
Dr. Ronald Kitsko, principal at Lincoln Elementary School, said Showalter is deserving of the honor.
“Rebecca is a tremendous music educator,” he said. “She brings an energy and dynamic ideas to her classroom space with her kiddoes. She keeps her kids engaged in learning and enjoying music. It’s not just about the music; it’s about having them appreciate what they’re learning about in terms of backgrounds of music culture. There’s just a vibe that she brings.”
For Showalter, teaching was her destiny.
“There was never anything else,” she said. “I think that’s probably a similar story for most teachers. I loved school. I loved being a student. I loved any chance I had to help out the teachers.”
Showalter is proud to represent the Mt. Lebanon School District.
“There’s so much that my colleagues do here,” she said. “The district is so supportive and offers so many opportunities and is really focused on being inclusive. I’m glad that our district is being recognized in that way. I’m also really glad that arts education is being recognized.”
Showalter initially studied elementary and special education, but the interest in music always was there.
“Music was something I participated in,” said the trombonist and vocalist. “It was something I did on the side as my fun. I didn’t initially have the confidence to go into something like that. A little later in college, as many college students do, I decided to switch gears. I’ve been really lucky to teach music.
“I often say I get to hang out with these students, have fun with these students and sing and dance and play games and I get to call it a job. … I can’t think of any other profession that gives as much time and as much passion and as much heart.”