Ryan Hardesty is a seventh grade ancient world history and eighth grade United States history teacher at Highland Middle School in the Blackhawk School District in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Serving as Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, he speaks about his teaching experiences at various conferences, districts, colleges and universities throughout the commonwealth. He was honored with the 2023 Award for Teaching Excellence by the NEA Foundation.

Hardesty earned both his Bachelor of Arts in history and political science and his Master of Arts in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. He reassuringly challenges his students to set personal goals and reach their highest potential by providing engaging and rigorous opportunities in the classroom. He works tirelessly to build connections with his students to be able to encourage them on their educational journey.