At the December 2 Board of Education meeting, Kanawha County Schools recognized 39 elementary teachers for their dedication and positive impact on students. One teacher from each elementary school in the district was selected for this honor.
According to Kanawha County Schools, these teachers were chosen because they “greet students with smiles even before their coffee kicks in… who turn ordinary lessons into something memorable… who comfort, cheer, guide, encourage, and inspire. In short, they’re the ones who make a big school system feel a little more like home.”
The selection process began earlier in the fall when Dr. Paula Potter invited each elementary principal to nominate a teacher who consistently goes above and beyond. Principals highlighted educators who create engaging classrooms, support colleagues, participate in extracurricular activities, lead with kindness and compassion, and serve as role models for students.
Dr. Potter reviewed each nomination using a detailed rubric and selected one teacher per school to be honored for the first nine weeks of the school year. The recognition will continue throughout the year to spotlight outstanding teachers across Kanawha County Schools.
The list of honorees includes teachers from all areas within the district:
– Capital Area: Eva Phillips (Chamberlain), Lexi Miller (Edgewood), Stephanie Elkins (Kanawha City), Vanessa Legg (Mary C. Snow West Side), Morgan Anderson (Piedmont), Victoria Groves (Ruffner)
– George Washington Area: Audra Wilkinson (Alum Creek), Jennifer Weaver (Holz), Mallory Rachunok (Kenna), Brooke Bias (Overbrook), Kaitlan Perry (Ruthlawn), Kirsten Vieweg (Weberwood)
– Herbert Hoover Area: Michelle Callen (Clendenin), Rachel Gillenwater (Elk Center), Makia Mogielski Nelson (Pinch), Jodi Barbazette (Shoals)
– Nitro Area: Tiffany Pace (Cross Lanes), Shara Stiltner (Nitro), Brittany Holmes (Point Harmony)
– Riverside Area: Amy Casto (Belle), Melissa Slate (Cedar Grove), Emily McMillion (Chesapeake), Kathleen Searles (Malden), Heather Moreland (Mary Ingles), Kristen Stamper (Midland Trail), Cristyn VanWyck (Pratt), Tonya Pettry (Sharon Dawes)
– Sissonville Area: Tammy Cantrell (Flinn), Mikalyn Murphy (Sissonville)
– South Charleston Area: Laura Fenton (Bridgeview), Chelsea McComas (Dunbar Intermediate), Debra Ferrell (Dunbar Primary), Trina Shaffer (Montrose), Tammy Morganroth (Richmond)
– St. Albans Area: Holly Lampl (Alban), Amy Loftis (Andrews Heights), Rebecca Becklehimer (Anne Bailey), Rachel Cole (Central), Ashley Wilburn (Lakewood)
Kanawha County Schools expressed gratitude to these educators by stating, “These 39 teachers light up their classrooms, lift up their students, and make a difference that stretches far beyond the school day. We are grateful for their passion, their creativity, and their unwavering commitment to kids.”
“To all our honorees: thank you for leading with big hearts and bright classrooms. KCS is better because of you!”
