A Coaldale native was recognized by the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 14 for being selected as one of the top educators in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

And for Michael DeAngelo, a 2008 graduate of Marian Catholic High School, Hometown, the honor was “pretty cool” and something he truly cherishes.

DeAngelo was honored as a Nouryon All-Pro Teacher during the Eagles’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field “as one who has made significant contributions to their students, school and community.”

Nouryon is a global specialty chemicals company.

Celebrating its 11th year, the All-Pro Teachers program honors exceptional 5th through 12th grade teachers in that region for their commitment to education, according to the Eagles’ website.

DeAngelo, a resident of the Fishtown section of Philadelphia, is a math teacher and softball coach at Strath-Haven High School, Wallingford, Delaware County.

Nomination

DeAngelo, 35, was nominated for the honor by Allan Skoranski, a community member.

From July 1 to Oct. 30, teachers in any school district throughout the greater Philadelphia region could be nominated by members of the community, current or former students, fellow teachers and school administrators.

In his nomination, Skoranski said DeAngelo “exemplifies what it means to be a Nouryon All-Pro Teacher in every facet of his work with students. As a dedicated math teacher, he consistently uses creative, out-of-the-box teaching methods to make challenging mathematical concepts accessible and engaging. This helps his students to think critically and connect lessons to their everyday lives.”

Skoranski added, “As both a teacher and head softball coach, Mr. DeAngelo serves as a role model in and out of the classroom, instilling values of perseverance, teamwork and curiosity. His students not only learn mathematical concepts, but also gain confidence, resilience and a love of learning that prepares them for success beyond high school.

Skoranski said DeAngelo “brings education to life by rooting abstract math concepts in real-world examples that resonate with his students.”

He gave an example that DeAngelo regularly incorporates statistics from Philadelphia sports teams such as the Eagles, showing students how numbers drive strategy, performance analysis and decision making in contexts they care deeply about.

“This approach sparks engagement, transforming lessons from routine problem solving into explorations of patterns, strategy and application. By adapting his teaching to diverse learning styles and encouraging collaboration, he creates a classroom atmosphere where students feel empowered to contribute their own ideas and take ownership of their learning.”

Role model

Skoranski said beyond academics, DeAngelo “is a true role model, balancing his commitment to teaching with his leadership as the new head coach of the Panthers’ softball team. On the field, he teaches discipline, resilience and teamwork; life skills that extend far beyond high school.”

He said DeAngelo’s dual role gives him the ability to inspire excellence in both academics and athletics, ensuring students see the value of persistence and collaboration in all areas of life.

“Mr. DeAngelo’s passion for teaching and coaching is unmistakable. His energy and dedication inspire his students to find joy in learning and to pursue their own curiosities with confidence,” Skoranksi said.

“He challenges students with a curriculum that is both unique and collaborative, while also serving as a steward of new ideas, always striving to make learning relevant, innovative, and impactful.”

At the game

“I was definitely honored to be nominated and selected; it’s always nice when others recognize you,” said DeAngelo, who said he is a huge Philadelphia fan, especially the Birds.

As for the event, it’ll be something he will long remember, as the Eagles provided him tickets to the game and a personalized jersey.

DeAngelo said he was extremely humbled by the treatment he received, explaining, “Before halftime, I was escorted to the field, behind the Eagles’ bench, and before the start of the third quarter, was honored on the stadium video board.”

His introduction before 69,879 fans and to see himself on the stadium’s massive screen, he said, “was a special moment in my career.”

With Strath-Haven being in relative close proximity to Philadelphia, he said pictures of him on the screen made it back to the school by the next day, when he was showered with congratulatory wishes from students, parents and administrators.

DeAngelo will also be recognized with other Nouryon honorees at a reception on Dec. 29 that is planned by program representatives.

Product of upbringing

DeAngelo, a son of Joe and Jackie DeAngelo of Coaldale, said to be recognized as a top teacher and coach is “rewarding,” prompting him to reflect on his upbringing.

He said, “I have always been proud of where I came from. I remember practicing and playing CYO basketball at the Coaldale Complex, where we lived a block away.

“And I definitely love my profession, teaching and coaching.”

Post Marian, DeAngelo went on to graduate in 2012 from Shippensburg University, initially student teaching in the Fannett-Metal School District in Franklin County.

He landed his first job there and taught for 6½ years before moving on to Mechanicsburg, where he taught another 6½ years before moving on to Strath-Haven.

During those years, he coached softball as both an assistant and head coach.

Noting coaching “goes side by side” with teaching, he helped pilot the F-M team for five years, coached at Mechanicsburg for two years, was head coach at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg before returning to the Mechanicsburg dugout, and upon taking the Strath-Haven job, served as an assistant coach for one year before being elevated to the top job at the 5A school.

His love of softball coaching, he said, goes back to his father, who piloted the Marian Fillies for 12 years and guided them to eight Schuylkill League division championships and a record of 161-95, making him the winningest softball coach in Marian history.

DeAngell said, “I definitely learned from my dad. He’s the person I call first, whether it’s after practice or after a game. He has had a huge impact on my coaching career.”

He added, “Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. And with my dad being a teacher and coach at Marian, that had a huge impact on me. But Marian definitely prepared me in all kinds of ways. I was college-ready with the academics, so when I went to Shippensburg, that preparation played a key role in helping me to be successful, and in each of the places I have been fortunate enough to work in, I’ve found it enjoyable.”