RTM Teacher Wins 2014 PA Teacher of the Year

Anthony Grisillo, a gifted support teacher in the Rose Tree Media School District, was named Pennsylvania’s 2014 Teacher of the Year at the Keystone Awards of Excellence event in Hershey, Gov. Tom Corbett announced Monday.

Grisillo has spent time in all of Rose Tree Media School District's elementary schools. But he is currently in Rose Tree, Media and Glenwood elementary schools, where he spent 15 years of his career. 

For the second time in a row, two Rose Tree Media School District teachers were among the 12 state finalist.

Tracey Fritch, a reading specialist at Media Elementary School, was also a finalist this year. 

Grisillo told Patch in June that he became a teacher, "to be a positive influence on children and give them the tools needed to succeed while instilling a hunger for learning."

He graduated from West Chester University and received his Master Degree from Widener University. He was also the recipient of the Acme Teacher of the Month Award in December 2012 and the Boeing Space Camp for Educators Right Stuff Award in 2000, and was a Discovery Educator Network STAR Educator from 2009 to 2013.

"This is a great honor for Anthony and for the Rose Tree Media School District," RTM Superintendent Jim Wigo announced on the district's website.

"As a former teacher, I extend warm congratulations to Anthony for achieving this significant honor. Anthony’s ability to inspire creativity, encourage innovation and engage his students has had a positive impact on all who have spent time in his classroom,” Corbett said in a press release.

Grisillo told Patch in June that teaching allows him to incorporate theatre, music, technology, art, sports and science every day, while making a difference in children’s lives.

He will now be Pennsylvania’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year. 


Two district teachers, Rose Tree Elementary's Nancy Gheysens and Penncrest's DeAnn Scherer, were also finalists for the 2013 Teacher for Year. However, an 11th grade, Jefferson County English teacher took the honor.