By Elizabeth Liberatore, interim editor-in-chief
Teacher of the Year
Alpha Phi: The Next Chapter
Teaching is a year-round job — yes, even over summer break, when educators are building lesson plans and stocking their classrooms — and it’s often a thankless role. Most teachers don’t do it for recognition; they do it for their students. But Charlotte Weng (Kappa Epsilon- Georgia) , a teacher at Lambert High School in Suwanee, Georgia, received the praise she deserves, earning the title of Teacher of the Year for the 2025-26 school year. Charlotte is in her fourth year of teaching and serves as an integral member of Lambert’s mathematics department. She teaches geometry and advanced algebra to all students,
Your college chapter may come to an end, but now it’s time to open the next one — a chapter where the sense of belonging you found in Alpha Phi continues; where you can connect with other Alpha Phis and build lifelong relationships in this new season of life. Introducing Alpha Phi: The Next Chapter , a vibrant alumnae community designed exclusively for recent graduates and young alumnae up to age 32. This dynamic network offers opportunities to forge meaningful friendships, enjoy unforgettable social experiences and build powerful professional connections. This exciting new initiative launched this past fall in Atlanta, Denver and Phoenix, where attendees enjoyed a fun-filled lineup of activities. From service projects and group fitness sessions to social mixers, each city- based event offered something for every alumna navigating the early years of her professional journey. As one Denver attendee, Loren Palmer (Beta Gamma–Colorado), shared: "What an incredible event! The highlight for me was meeting new people. Navigating post-grad life is unique, and it felt amazing to make new connections and friendships." These three cities are just the beginning! Alpha Phi has ambitious plans to expand in summer 2026, and we need your help. If you’re a passionate young alumna interested in bringing The Next Chapter to your city, complete our interest form and be part of launching this incredible program. Learn more by visiting alphaphi. org/alpha-phi-next-chapter
including those in special education and gifted programs. To her, her job doesn’t feel like “work” because she loves what she does — and her students only add to that joy. “Teaching is the greatest joy of my life,” Charlotte says. “I look into my classroom and am filled with hope. My students make me believe in a future where they cure cancer, invent life-altering technology and become political leaders. I am endlessly grateful that I wake up excited to go to work every day.” Her students and fellow faculty recognized Charlotte’s dedication and honored her with the title of 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. Charlotte, who attended Lambert High School as a teen, couldn’t believe it, especially since she works alongside so many other dedicated educators. “I never dreamed of earning this achievement, and it is humbling to receive it when I work alongside such excellent colleagues,” Charlotte adds. “Being Teacher of the Year is a pinch-me moment, and I hope to inspire other educators with my love for teaching.”
In college, Charlotte served in various leadership roles in her collegiate chapter, including director of community service and vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, where she led philanthropic initiatives and fundraisers for the Alpha Phi Foundation. She credits these experiences with giving her the skills she relies on to thrive in her teaching role today.
“My experiences in Alpha Phi taught me how to
communicate, organize and build meaningful relationships — skills I rely on every day in my classroom.”
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