An instructor from Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center has been named the winner of the 2026 Annie Sullivan Award.
Peter Suppa, a building and trades instructor, was selected for the honor from a field of 21 nominees from across Berks County during a ceremony Wednesday at Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences.
The Annie Sullivan Award is given each year by the Berks County Intermediate Unit in recognition of an individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to providing support and understanding of students with disabilities. The award is named for the devoted teacher and mentor of Helen Keller.
Suppa teaches a half-day building trades program that serves Reading and Muhlenberg school district students with low-incidence disabilities, including students with intellectual disabilities and autism.
According to his supervisor, Holly Lorchak, director of special education, Suppa built the program from the ground up.
He has created a safe, accessible and engaging learning environment where students develop foundational construction skills while gaining confidence and independence, Lorchak said. She added that through his thoughtful instruction, hands-on learning and high expectations, he has guided students’ progress from basic tool use and measurement to more advanced projects involving framing, blueprint reading, plumbing and electrical work.
According to those who nominated him, Suppa is known for his creativity, patience and steady belief in his students. In addition to classroom instruction, he has expanded learning opportunities through field trips, involvement in the Home Builders Association student chapter and participation in district-level SkillsUSA competitions.
“As someone with over 30 years of experience in special education, I am genuinely in awe of Mr. Peter Suppa,” Lorchak said. “What many educators spend years studying and refining, he has developed organically through dedication, reflection and an unwavering commitment to student success.
“Mr. Suppa exemplifies the very best of what we hope for in an educator: a professional who does whatever it takes to help students experience growth, confidence and achievement.”
The following were the other nominees:
• Stephanie Hartman, reading specialist, Antietam School District.
• Eva-Maria Rickard, nurse, Boyertown School District.
• Lisa Weidemoyer, intervention specialist, Brandywine Heights School District.
• Amber Vandegriff, health aide, Conrad Weiser School District.
• Karen Gillard, paraprofessional, Daniel Boone School District.
• Jane Rantz, special education teacher, Exeter School District.
• Lori Fisher, paraprofessional, Fleetwood School District.
• Traci Huddleson, associate director of student activities, Gov. Mifflin School District.
• Amanda McBreen, life skills teacher, Hamburg School District.
• Lori Christ, special education teacher, Kutztown School District.
• Jennifer Hausman, special education coordinator, Muhlenberg School District.
• Laura Rhein, autistic support teacher, Oley Valley School District.
• Paige McInaw, autistic support teacher, Reading School District.
• Jennifer Vroman, gifted support teacher, Schuylkill Valley School District.
• Kris Kerschner, coordinator of school safety and security, Tulpehocken School District.
• Claudia Sweitzer, learning support teacher, Twin Valley School District.
• Erin Knight, paraprofessional, Wilson School District.
• Austin Lecher, 12th grade student, Wyomissing School District.
• Amy Slovick, early intervention lead speech therapist, Berks County Intermediate Unit.
• Linda Keller, service occupations instructional assistant, Berks Career and Technology Center.