Joe Welch, an American History teacher at North Hills Middle School in Pittsburgh, serves as the 2022 CCSSO Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year and was recently recognized as a Finalist for the 2022 CCSSO National Teacher of the Year program. He is also recognized as a Gilder Lehrman Institute Master Teacher and was recognized as Gilder Lehrman’s National History Teacher of the Year in 2018. An Apple Distinguished Educator and National Board Certified Teacher, Joe is a strong believer in bringing diverse stories, personal emotions, and community connections into his lessons as well as fostering excitement for quality and engaging educational opportunities.