Penn State Award Goes to West Forest Teacher

Forest Area School District is proud to announce that Mr. John G. Wortman, their tenured West Forest Social Science and Gifted Support teacher, has been selected by the Penn State University’s College of Education and its Alumni Society to receive the 2024 Outstanding Teaching Award. Mr. Wortman was nominated for this award by Forest Area School District Superintendent and Pennsylvania State Board of Education member Amanda E. Hetrick. In a letter from the Dean of the College of Education, Kimberly A. Lawless, she states, “This award is given to an individual in the teaching profession who has demonstrated excellence in their use of teaching methodologies, knowledge of subject matter, and ability to inspire students”. Currently, Mr. Wortman teaches 7th – 12th grade students in Civics, United States History, American Government, Economics, Psychology, and the History of the Holocaust. Wortman has also organized and taught many summer school programs and provided enrichment opportunities for students in Tionesta and Marienville. During the school year, he serves as the varsity golf coach, director of the Drama Club, and a co-advisor of the immersive learning experience program. Wortman was elected in 2023 to the Warren County School District Board of School Directors where he serves as the chairperson of the Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Committee. John graduated from the Penn State College of Education in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (social studies) and in 2020 with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction (social studies). Both Mr. Wortman and Mrs. Hetrick have been invited to attend the Alumni Society Awards Banquet on April 5th, 2025 at Toftrees Resort in State College.