Seneca Valley teacher receives outstanding middle level teacher award
Mike Manipole, a health and physical education teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School in the Seneca Valley School District, received the Ann Moniot Outstanding Middle Level Teacher Award for the 2023-24 school year from the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
“Mr. Manipole approaches every day with a positive energy that is really unlike anyone else I know,” said Tony Babusci, the school’s principal. “All the kids feed off that positive energy, and they know they’re in the presence of someone who really cares about them. An underrated characteristic of Mike is his work ethic. He puts in as many hours as any teacher I know and often leaves school and goes directly into serving his community.”
The award is presented to a middle-level educator who has made professional contributions that have positively influenced education and students in their school, has a passion for teaching and who creates positive, caring relationships with their students and colleagues.
“I am truly honored and humbled,” Manipole said. “This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of the incredible students at RGMS, as well as the outstanding team of teachers and administrators I am fortunate to collaborate with.”
The Association of Middle Level Education, formerly the Pennsylvania Middle School Association, was established in 1973 and serves as a voice for professionals, parents and others interested in the educational and developmental needs of young adolescents. It is the only national education association exclusively devoted to improving the educational experiences of young adolescents.
“It is so important to try to make students know they are valued and to make them smile,” Manipole said. “We never know what a person is thinking or how they feel each day; it is a great opportunity to hopefully brighten a person’s day! It is a privilege to be part of such a remarkable community that values education and fosters an environment of growth and learning.”
