Caitlin Barnard is the 2026 recipient of the Henry Scipione Award.

Every great teacher has a unique journey, but this year’s honoree took a special path to the York School District. When she made the leap from the corporate world to the classroom, our entire community won. She initially joined the York School District as a substitute teacher, but “substitute” hardly covered the impact she had on the staff and students. From the start, she had the energy, heart, and presence to make an immediate difference. Her talent was so obvious that even when she shifted to a full-time position in another district, the York schools never stopped hoping she’d find her way back to us. When a position opened up, we didn’t hesitate to bring her back home where she belonged—and that was one of the best decisions we have made.

For her, leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about action with a heart. Long before she was ever named an official Team Leader, she was already serving as a natural teacher leader. It seems to be in her blood, as she is someone who constantly advocates for the children. She collaborates beautifully with her peers and continuously pushes for positive changes across her grade level, while also keeping an eye on connections across the whole school and within the district. She raises the bar for all educators and makes people want to be better just by being around her.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but as we all know, it certainly has its tough days. What makes today’s honoree so extraordinary is that no matter how challenging things got, she showed up every single day with grace, optimism, and an unmistakable smile. That warmth and steady positivity lights up the hallway at Village Elementary, making the people around her—staff, students, and families—feel safe, valued, and capable of big things.

About the Henry R. Scipione Award

The York Education Foundation established the Henry R. Scipione Award in 2012 to honor Superintendent Dr. Scipione, who was instrumental in establishing YEF in 2004. The York Education Foundation gives this award each year to an educator whose efforts serve to promote and advance excellence in education for students in the York Public Schools. Dr. Scipione continues to be honored each year with the presentation of this award in the amount of $1,500.00.

YEF invites local citizens, school staff, parents, and students to submit nominations for educators in the York School System who have had an especially positive impact on their lives. Participation in nominating a recipient is important, and all statements and stories regarding the educator of their choice will be considered in the selection by the York Education Foundation Board of Directors.