Pennsylvania roots sprouted the 2018 Ohio Teacher of the Year.
Jonathan Juravich, a product of the Pennsylvania public school system, not only was Ohio’s top teacher, he was one of four finalists for the 2018 National Teacher of the Year.
Juravich, a 2001 graduate of West Allegheny High School, Allegheny County, is an elementary visual arts teacher in the Olentangy Local School District in Ohio. He is also the elementary art department chair, develops curriculum, facilitates teacher professional development, oversees parent-teacher partnerships, leads the elementary environmental team, and coaches middle school cross country and track.
“I really owe a lot to my art educators at West Allegheny,’’ said Juravich. “They influenced me greatly and have helped make me who I am today.’’
He noted he and his wife, Amy, who is also a West Allegheny alum, haven’t strayed far from their western Pennsylvania roots.
“Former teachers were at our wedding, baby showers, and other events,’’ Juravich said. “They are more than educators we had in the classroom. They are a big part of our lives.’’
He credits his parents for “seeing the teacher in me’’ and encouraging him to pursue education when he was searching for a career path while in high school.
“I resisted at first, but they were right,’’ Juravich said. “I love working with people and making connections with my students.’’
