Susan Barbe-Stas, a Hempfield Area High School teacher up for a statewide educator award, was inspired by her kindergarten teacher to pursue her career of 30 years.
“She made every single child in that room feel like they mattered just because they existed,” Barbe-Stas said of her former Greensburg Salem teacher Pat Pacelli.
She recalls receiving a note from Pacelli during her first year of teaching at Hempfield Area. Pacelli wrote that she always believed Barbe-Stas could become a teacher and change people’s lives.
Now, Barbe-Stas aims to teach her child development students the same lesson as they operate a preschool for local children.
“We want these preschoolers to know they matter — just because they breathe. Some can come in and they write their names, and some have never held a pencil before,” she said. “But we want them to know that no matter where they are in their journey, they’re equal and they matter.
“It creates a culture where the high school students then realize, ‘You know what, I matter, too.’ ”
Teacher named finalist for state award
One of Barbe-Stas’ former students, whose child attends the high school’s preschool program, nominated her for the state’s 2027 Teacher of the Year Award. Barbe-Stas was named one of 12 finalists for the award this month.
A winner will be announced in December, according to the state Department of Education.
Barbe-Stas has spent all but one year of her career at Hempfield Area. In addition to child development, she teaches financial literacy and an independent living class — which includes topics such as balancing a checkbook, investing and interviewing for jobs.
After graduating from Greensburg Salem, Barbe-Stas earned degrees in family and consumer science from Seton Hill University and elementary education from Saint Vincent College.
She earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Gannon University, and four years ago received a principal certification from Carlow. She is working through a doctoral program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, writing a dissertation on the impact of community classroom collaboration.
‘She’s just so deserving’
Barbe-Stas has helped Hempfield senior Sophia Cecchetti realize her goal of working with children as a speech language pathologist.
“She just works so hard, and it’s apparent through everything she does. She really, really cares about her students and her job,” Cecchetti said. “She’s just so deserving. If any teacher were to receive an award like this, I really do believe it should be her.”
Hempfield senior Audrey Semow believes the child development class has prepared her to pursue a career as a nurse.
“Getting to go to class every single day and see the little kids is the best part of my day,” she said.
Barbe-Stas is humbled by the recognition, she said.
“I really want to carry the torch for the incredible educators that show up every single day for students. They’re making a difference in ways that are not always seen,” she said. “And for the students: We have students that are working long, long hours to help their families, and they come to school.
“I know they’re tired, and they pull it up and they’re giving 100%, too. That inspires me.”