For a quarter-century, Citadel Credit Union has celebrated the teachers who stay late to help struggling students, inspire confidence in children who need it most, and quietly shape the future of Greater Philadelphia one classroom at a time.

From a science teacher who has inspired generations of students over 34 years, to a special education teacher helping children with autism build confidence and independence, their impact has once again been honored in a big way.

Citadel has announced the 2026 recipients of its Citadel Heart of Learning Awards, honoring outstanding teachers across Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the program awarded more than $100,000 in prizes this year, including $10,000 for each of the six grand-prize winners, with $5,000 awarded directly to the teacher and $5,000 awarded to their school.

Selected from nominations submitted by students, parents, colleagues, and community members, this year’s honorees reflect the many ways teachers are shaping the region’s future. From supporting newly arrived refugee students and students with autism to mentoring young adults, these educators are strengthening school communities and helping students discover confidence through art, science, music, writing, and real-world learning.

“At Citadel, we are committed to serving those who work every day to build a better future for us all, and few people embody that promise more than teachers,” said Bill Brown, President and CEO of Citadel Credit Union. “For 25 years, the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards have celebrated educators whose compassion, creativity, and commitment strengthen our communities. These amazing teachers are not only helping students learn. They are helping them feel seen, supported, and capable of building a stronger future.”

This year, Citadel recognized more than 30 exceptional teachers. In addition to the six grand-prize winners, the other winners received $1,000.

In honor of the program’s 25th anniversary, Citadel also awarded a special $2,500 prize to three teachers with 25 or more years of experience, recognizing their extraordinary dedication and lasting impact on generations of students.

“The stories we hear through the Heart of Learning Awards are powerful reminders of the lasting impact teachers have on students and families,” said Steve Miller, Citadel’s Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Citadel. “This milestone year gave us the opportunity to recognize not only today’s outstanding educators, but also teachers whose decades of service have helped shape entire school communities.”

Since its inception, the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards program has honored more than 465 teachers and awarded $700,000 in grants and prizes to support educators and schools throughout Greater Philadelphia.

This year’s grand-prize winners by county are:

• Bucks County: Beth Madden, Holicong Middle School, Science Teacher, Central Bucks School District
• Chester County: Matthew Handerhan, Scott Middle School, Art Teacher, Coatesville Area School District
• Delaware County: Brittany Hagan, Garnet Valley Middle School, English Teacher, Garnet Valley School District
• Lancaster County: Kimberly McFadden, McCaskey High School, Science Teacher, School District of Lancaster
• Montgomery County: Betina Roher, Abington High School, Social Studies Teacher, Abington School District
• Philadelphia: Brittanie Speirs, Laura W. Waring Elementary School, Special Education Teacher, Autistic Support, School District of Philadelphia

The 25th anniversary winners are:

• Beth Adams, New Eagle Elementary School, First Grade Teacher, Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
• Nancy Cubano, Independence Charter School, Sixth through Eighth Grade Spanish Content Lead, School District of Philadelphia
• Arlene Gibble, Park Elementary School, First Grade Teacher, Columbia Borough School District

Check out the full list of winners by county at Citadel Credit Union.

2026-2027 Nominations Now Open

As Citadel celebrates this year’s winners, nominations are already open for next year’s Citadel Heart of Learning Awards. Community members are invited to nominate an outstanding teacher at Citadel Credit Union.