Bethel Park music teacher receives state citation of excellence
Share this post:
Bethel Park School District’s Jeff Knell has received the 2022 Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association District 1 Citation of Excellence in Teaching, an award that is offered biennially.
He is a music teacher at Neil Armstrong Middle School, along with William Penn and Benjamin Franklin elementary schools. Colleague Rachel Skilone,who has worked with Knell for nine years, nominated him for the honor.
“Jeff and I have an almost sibling-like relationship some respects,” she said. “He is just an amazing person to work with, and he also happens to be an extraordinary music teacher.”
Knell admitted to being taken aback initially by the recognition.
“It’s obviously very flattering to be recognized by your peers and a huge honor, but it’s not something I can take credit for,” he said, pointing out that his students put in a lot of work.
He called it a privilege to be a part of the Bethel Park music department.
“The people in this department are just so incredibly helpful and supportive,” he said. “None of what we have been able to accomplish would have been possible if we didn’t all work so well together as a team.”
Knell, a Peters Township native who earned degrees from Duquesne and Mercyhurst universities, will be recognized during a virtual awards ceremony on May 24. He also will be formally presented with a plaque commemorating his achievement by PMEA District 1 representative Eryn Carranza at Neil Armstrong’s May 18 spring band concert.