Plymouth Whitemarsh High School's Jim Muscarella wins Citadel Heart of Learning Award

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School teacher Jim Muscarella has been honored with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. He is the third Colonial School District teacher to receive this coveted award in the last three years.

Students, faculty and staff, and a Citadel Credit Union representative gathered May 2 to celebrate Mr. Muscarella, who has been with the district for nearly 30 years and was selected for recognition based on nominations that the credit union received from students, parents, and others. Mr. Muscarella's family also observed the ceremony that had been kept secret for several weeks. He was surprised to find out that he had been selected for the Citadel Heart of Learning award, which is given out annually to outstanding teachers who are nominated in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties.

"The thing you want in life is to do the thing that doesn't feel like a job. Teaching has never felt like a job," said Mr. Muscarella. "I appreciate that the Colonial School District has allowed me to have some freedom in developing and doing the things that I want, which has allowed me to bring things to (students) that I think they need. It's been fun." 

Citadel noted that Mr. Muscarella was chosen for his ability to engage and challenge students through authentic learning experiences. The STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and EDI (entrepreneurship, design and innovation) programs he has developed, along with his mentorship and the inclusive environment he fosters, enable all his students to thrive. 

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jim Muscarella for many years, and he is not only an outstanding educator, but a truly exceptional person. His passion for teaching and commitment to creating authentic, hands-on learning experiences have left a lasting mark on our school community,” said Dr. Jason Bacani, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School principal. “Jim fosters an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired—especially those exploring pathways in STEM. He is an advocate for underrepresented students in engineering, working to ensure that all learners, regardless of background, have access to meaningful opportunities to grow and lead. His advocacy, mentorship, and genuine care for each student are what make him so deserving of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award.”

Several parents who submitted nomination forms noted that his support for students has made an impact.

“He has been a very positive influence [for] my daughter and an advocate of women in engineering,” said one parent nominator.

Other nominators cited his ability to foster trust and lasting relationships with students as a reason for him to win the award. 

“He has formed meaningful connections with [my daughter] and her classmates, creating a safe environment where students can learn, collaborate, and explore their passions. We are incredibly grateful to have Mr. Muscarella as a teacher, mentor, and sponsor within our community as well as an advocate of women in engineering,” said another parent. 

Mr. Muscarella started his career at Colonial in 1995 as a long-term substitute at the middle school, and a year later, he became a science teacher there. In 2001, he moved over to the high school, where he teaches engineering. He was part of an exclusive pilot program to establish a national standardized high school engineering courses through an initiative called E4USA (Engineering for Us All). He has also served as adviser for students involved in the Robotics Club, and is currently a sponsor for the Science Olympiad club at Plymouth Whitemarsh. He is also known for organizing an annual cardboard boat race in the high school pool.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science degree from Drexel University. 

Mr. Muscarella is the third Colonial School District teacher within the last three years to receive a Citadel Heart of Learning Award. Previous award winners include Tanya Prickitt and George Hankins from Colonial Middle School.