PA Distance Teacher Named 2025 Middle School Teacher of the Year by TeachKind

We’re proud to share that Caroline Combemale, one of our outstanding middle school science teachers at PA Distance Learning Charter School, has been named TeachKind’s 2025 Middle School Teacher of the Year!

Each year, TeachKind—PETA’s humane education division—honors educators who go above and beyond in fostering empathy and compassion in the classroom. This year, Caroline stood out nationally for the way she seamlessly integrates animal rights, environmental awareness, and ethical science into her 7th-grade curriculum.

Caroline guides her students through ethical, science-based approaches to pressing environmental challenges—whether it’s reducing energy loss in the food chain or identifying compassionate, non-lethal solutions to managing invasive species. Her lessons cover a wide range of real-world issues, from the impact of deforestation on biodiversity to the treatment of animals in roadside zoos. She also empowers students to take meaningful action, like choosing to avoid palm oil after learning about its devastating effects on orangutan habitats. By encouraging students to draw their own conclusions, Caroline fosters a deep sense of critical thinking and empathy—one student even concluded, “Humans are the invasive species.”

Instead of relying on animals in the classroom, Caroline introduces her students to her own rescued companions through videos and stories. From George the diabetic cat to Elvira the rehabilitated leopard gecko—and a whole lovable group of adopted rabbits and guinea pigs—she helps students understand that animals are individuals, not classroom props.

Beyond the school day, Caroline’s dedication shines just as brightly: she leads student clubs and tutoring sessions, joins animal rights protests, works with legal authorities to address animal abuse, and even uses her small business to raise awareness for the Plant-Based Treaty and generate funds for a local animal sanctuary.

A vegan since age 12, Caroline has made empathy a lifelong mission—and her classroom is a place where kindness leads the way. We’re honored to have such a passionate educator as part of our PA Distance team, inspiring students to think deeply, act kindly, and become change-makers in their own right.

Congratulations, Caroline! Your impact is felt far and wide.

Original TeachKind press release: https://www.peta.org/teachkind/2025-teachers-of-the-year/