Teacher of the Year
2024 Teachers of the Year
District: Mary Michelle Reutter – Leach School,
Carrie Downie Elem: Margaret Murray
Castle Hills Elem: Erin Sanna
Eisenberg Elem: Emily Mallon
New Castle Elem: Javana Rhodes
Pleasantville Elem: Angela Jackson
Southern Elem: Katrina Gopez
Wilbur Elem: Courtney McVey
Wilmington Manor Elem: Emily Cooper
Colonial Virtual Program: Leanne Redrow
George Read Middle: Amy Rapp
Gunning Bedford Middle: April Bullen
McCullough Middle: Paige Morris
William Penn High: Zachary Watchilla
Leach School: Michelle Reutter
Colonial Early Education Program: Marissa Ranauto
2023








About Dr. Mclean
After serving eight years in the Army, Dr. Christiana McLean decided to join the army of teachers who dedicate their lives to educating children. She began student teaching at Carrie Downie 14 ½ years ago, and never left. Now, after being named Teacher of the Year at her beloved little school, Mclean shares big thoughts about her students saying she values the relationships she builds with them especially after the youngsters have what she calls “A-ha” moments when they come to understand a tough or new concept. What’s her secret to connecting with her students? “Humor! I Let my students know that learning can be fun,” she says. As for what McLean wants parents and guardians to know about her she says, “I care deeply for my students. I know that parents are sending me their precious cargo and I want to take care of it and nurture it the whole time that I am in its possession.”







Past Colonial Teachers of the Year

Beth Twardus
2023 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
McCullough Middle School

Rob Poore
2022 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Southern Elementary School

Rebecca Vitelli
2020 Colonial School District and State of Delaware Teacher of the Year
Colonial Early Education Program

Khayree Bey
2021 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
McCullough Middle School

Mark McKenzie
2019 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Colonial Early Education Program

Lakeya Nova
2018 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Eisenberg Elementary School

Sarah Bateman
2017 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
New Castle Elementary School

Laura Bossert
2016 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Carrie Downie Elementary School

Lee Ann Skipper
2015 Colonial School District and State of Delaware Teacher of the Year
Colonial Early Education Program

Tara Amsterdam
2014 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Kathleen H. Wilbur Elementary School

Julie Alexander
2013 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Harry O. Eisenberg Elementary School

Jennifer Bufano
2012 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Kathleen H. Wilbur Elementary School

Beth Greenstein
2011 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
William Penn High School

Dawn Alexander
2010 Colonial School District and State of Delaware Teacher of the Year
Southern Elementary School

Jennifer Bonham
2009 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
William Penn High School

Charlotte Webb
2008 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Southern Elementary School

Renee Griffith
2007 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Castle Hills Elementary School

Roberta Jacobs
2006 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Castle Hills Elementary School

Shirley Moux
2005 Colonial School District Teacher of the Year
Castle Hills Elementary School