Joyful. Outgoing. Passionate. Dedicated. These are just some of the superlatives Ashlie Crosson’s students used to describe the newly announced 2025 National Teacher of the Year, which was revealed live on CBS Mornings.
“It is an incredible honor,” Crosson ’11 told co-hosts Adriana Diaz, Nate Burleson and Vladimir Duthiers. “It feels like a big responsibility but it’s also this incredible chance to share my kids and my community with the country.”
Crosson was Pennsylvania’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, the third Susquehanna graduate to earn their state’s top honor in public education in as many years. She is the first Pennsylvanian to win National Teacher of the Year.
“Congratulations on this well-earned recognition,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. “And thank you for all you do for your students at Mifflin County High and for using your voice to advocate for our future leaders.”
At Mifflin County High School, Crosson teaches English, advanced placement language and composition and Survival Stories, an elective that explores global humanitarian crises through a youth-centered lens. She also advises the journalism program and oversees the production of the school newspaper and district magazine.
Throughout her career, Crosson said her goal was never awards or recognition, but rather “to make others shine.” She became an educator because she wanted to give the next generation of students the same care and support she once received herself.
“Miss Crosson was a huge part of who I am professionally,” said Mina Phillips, a former student of Crosson’s who is now a sports reporter with the Lewistown Sentinel. “She taught me everything I know about writing. Taking journalism with Miss Crosson really opened my eyes to how much I really enjoy writing.”
A first-generation college graduate, Crosson used her national platform to recognize her students, who she said “make the job easy,” and called on communities to support their local school districts.
“Supporting your community and your local schools is the best use of your energy,” she said. “Find what your school needs and that engagement between families and businesses and stakeholders in the community is what creates a thriving school district.”
After graduating from Susquehanna University with a degree in English and secondary education, she earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Penn State University and a gifted education endorsement from Millersville University. In 2018, she became a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms fellow. A passionate advocate for literacy and global education, Crosson integrates international perspectives into her teaching and leads student trips abroad.
The National Teacher of the Year award is bestowed by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
