MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Linda Rhen, teaching professor of special education at Penn State Harrisburg, was named the 2025 Teacher Educator of the Year by The Pennsylvania Association of College and Teacher Educators (PAC-TE).
The award recognizes outstanding contributions to teacher education and dedication to student success. Rhen received the honor at the organization’s conference in October.
At Penn State Harrisburg, Rhen serves as program coordinator of the Special Education PreK-12 Certification Program and is the founder and director of the Career Studies Program. Her work focuses on preparing future educators to support diverse learners and on expanding inclusive postsecondary opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.
PAC-TE is a statewide organization that represents teacher education faculty and promotes scholarship and research while addressing issues facing teacher education programs.
“I was honored and humbled that my peers recognized me as Teacher Educator of the Year,” Rhen said. “I am thrilled that the organization chose to acknowledge a professor whose focus is students with disabilities and addressing the shortage of special education teachers.”