In a surprise announcement in front of her class, Jenni Couch learned she was named the 2027 Sussex Academy Teacher of the Year.

Couch, who joined Sussex Academy in 2015, said she was honored by the recognition and remains committed to inspiring student success.

“To me, relationships are the foundation of everything we do as educators,” she said. “I work diligently to create a culture of community in each class where students feel safe to take academic risks, embrace challenges and find joy in learning. In my classroom, curiosity, critical thinking, and productive struggle empower students to achieve.”

Couch, who teaches honors and Advanced Placement Biology, also serves as an advisor to the Science National Honor Society and the Interact Club, both service-based organizations that foster connections within the school and local community, and in global service projects.

During her tenure with Sussex Academy, Couch has also served as a mentor for new teachers, led district and statewide in-service trainings, served as the Science/STEM Department coordinator and acted as an academic advisor on strategic planning committees. She holds a bachelor’s degree in food service administration and dietetics and a master of arts degree in teaching with a concentration in biology, and recently earned National Board Certification in Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood.

Couch will now represent Sussex Academy as the school nominee to the Delaware Charter Schools Network’s selection process for Teacher of the Year from all participating charter schools to represent the network in the Delaware Department of Education at the state level.

Sussex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter K-12 school in Georgetown.