Faith Harper is an elementary teacher with 13 years of experience. She teaches fourth grade at Little Birch Elementary School in Braxton County where she has worked for the last eight years. Faith holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and a Master of Arts degree in Science Education from Western Governor’s University. She is currently pursuing National Board Certification in Middle Childhood.

At LBE, Faith serves on her school’s leadership team and as faculty senate president. She was the 2022 Braxton County Teacher of the Year, has worked as her county’s 4th grade PLC Coordinator, and has served as her school’s LSIC president and PTO Treasurer. She is a member of the West Virginia Science Teachers Association where she collaborated with other WV elementary teachers to present at the 2023 state conference as part of the state’s first team of WV Elementary Science Ambassadors. Other memberships include the National Science Teaching Association, and American Federation of Teachers.

Megan Lynch has been an educator for six years, spending four years in Barbour County and two years in Upshur County. In Barbour County, she taught fifth grade at Philippi Middle School. She also taught first and second grade at Philippi Elementary School. Now she teaches first grade at Union Elementary School in Upshur County.

Megan is constantly finding a way to tie STEM in with her day-to-day teaching. Her favorite way to connect STEM with other standards is through read alouds. Bringing the read alouds to life through a connected activity really engages her students. Megan also seeks different ways to bring STEM into the classroom through free programs such as WVU StemCare or the Upshur County WVU Extension Office. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Upshur County WVU Extension Office, creating meaningful lessons that bring STEM to the community through camps and activities. Megan is also a member, as well as an elementary ambassador, of the West Virginia Science Teachers Association. Megan has shared her love of science through the WVSTA conference. She also shares her ideas with colleagues on ways to incorporate science standards into their reading and math curricula through county-wide planning days.

Megan earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and her M.A. in Literacy Education from Marshall University. She is certified in K–6 elementary education and as a reading specialist.

Heather Puglisi is an elementary teacher with 10 years’ experience working for Ohio County Schools. Heather currently teaches second Grade at Warwood Elementary where she is a mentor teacher and a science fair coordinator. Heather graduated with a Bachelor’s in Multi-Disciplinary Studies and a Masters in Elementary Education from West Virginia University.

Heather teaches with an integrated studies approach, combining science and language arts. She has worked with a National Science Teaching Association/Children’s Book Choice Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children author, Jennifer Keats Curtis, to provide students with her books about a variety of animals. Students built animal habitats and wrote essays on what they learned. Students then got the opportunity to virtually present them to the award-winning author. This is one of many lessons that Heather uses to connect reading and writing with science curriculum.

Heather values being a lifelong learner. She has continued her own education by becoming a National Board-Certified Teacher and attending teaching conferences statewide. She was also named a West Virginia Public Broadcasting Above and Beyond Teacher. Heather has earned several grants for her classroom including STEM grants and family night grants where she shares her love of combining science and reading. Students and their families participate in activities that they can also do at home. Heather partnered with the Ohio County Public Library to bring their science Fun Lab Youth Services Specialist to a family night to connect students with community resources for free learning opportunities during the summer months. Her goal is for students to continue their love for exploring and learning in and out of the school building.

Alicen Adkins is a middle school science teacher with nine years of teaching experience. Alicen holds an Associate of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Science Education from Fairmont State University and is pursuing a Master of Education from Fairmont State University. She is a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist and a previous employee of the NASA Educator Resource Center in Fairmont, WV. She currently teaches sixth and seventh grade science at Moorefield Middle School in Hardy County, WV.

Alicen serves many roles within her school, community, state, and beyond. She started a FIRST robotics program in Hardy County, which has grown from one team in 2018 to include sixteen robotics teams and a coding club including students from first through twelfth grades. The program boasts national and international awards such as the Core Values 2 Award from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute International Invitational and Gracious Professionalism Award from American Robotics Invitational. Alicen serves as head coach or assistant coach for all the teams. She is one of the Moorefield Middle School (MMS) Digital Media Coordinators, a member of the MMS leadership team, a member of the MMS and Hardy County Schools (HCS) Hiring Committees, is the MMS and HCS Science Fair Coordinator, Moorefield High School Pulsar Search Collaboratory Advisor, the previous National Junior Honor Society Advisor, and the HCS STEM Contact. She started the Moorefield Family Science Night initiative for which she is the coordinator. She has served roles with WVDE for curriculum, assessment, and standards reviews, and served as a teacher for the WV Governor’s STEM Institute. At the national level, she has done consulting work for NSTA and Houghton Milton Harcourt. Alicen’s professional associations include WVSTA, NSTA, ASCD, NAGT, CS First, and more.

Alicen is passionate about self-improvement and professional development, and attributes much of her success to quality PD opportunities such as the ESS Passport Program and conferences such as WVSTA and GYTO. To that end, she co-founded Umbrella STEM, which provides STEM professional development, activities, and resources for K-12 teachers. Alicen has been honored with many awards, some of which include MMS Teacher of the Year 2019, the 2019 and 2020 Spirit of Hardy County Award, the 2020 NAGT Outstanding Earth Science Teacher for WV, the Golden Apple Award for Educational Excellence, the 2015 Stark Wilmoth Outstanding Student Teacher Award, and was part of a team that received a NASA Project Achievement Award for Excellence in Robotics Education in 2014. In her own words, her greatest joy and duty is to provide fun, authentic opportunities for students to develop the confidence and skills necessary to unlock their fullest potential.

Tina Cool has been teaching science for 33 years, with the last 22 years at Preston High School. She is currently teaching Forensic Science and Anatomy. One of the Forensic science classes is a Dual Credit class in collaboration with Dr. Mark Flood at FSU. Tina graduated with a master’s degree in Secondary Science Education from WVU after earning her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education, Biology, and General Science from Fairmont State.

Tina loves to stay actively involved with students and others through many clubs/organizations. She is a co-leader with the Lenox Loyal Workers 4-H Club, a co-sponsor of Interact Club at PHS, and has been actively involved as Sunday School Superintendent and assistant teacher at her church. In conjunction with WVU, Tina has been a HSTA (Health Sciences & Technology Academy) teacher for 28 years. In this role, she helps students complete annual research projects that are presented as symposia; teaches at summer camps at Potomac State University, Glenville State University and WVU; and helps organize community service opportunities for the students throughout the county, with a focus on WV Caring activities; and assists in the club meetings after school. Tina is also starting her third year as co-sponsor of the Science Olympiad and Science Showdown teams at Preston High School, supporting students competing in science challenges.

Tina has attended and presented at various conferences at the state and national level through NSTA, WVSTA, and High Schools that Work. She has helped at the regional and state level writing content standards for Forensic Science and has served on several committees and action teams at the school level. She is currently heading up the team that is researching and proposing to the school, LSIC, and county stakeholders, an innovative school schedule that utilizes a modified fifth day schedule model.

Dayna Juraschek is a dedicated and experienced science educator, entering her 19th year in the field of science education and her 10th year at Jefferson High School in Jefferson County, WV. Dayna holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where she also conducted research in Cell and Molecular Biology as well as Education. Her work has been published, reflecting her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

At Jefferson High School, Dayna teaches a wide range of courses including Biology, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Forensics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and she also leads the AP Capstone program, instructing both AP Seminar and AP Research. She is passionate about creating a supportive learning environment that encourages students to engage in authentic observations and experiments, deepening their understanding of the natural world.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dayna sponsors the Science National Honor Society and the Health Science & Technology Academy (HSTA) program, and she recently led four teams to compete in the Fairmont University Science Showdown. Beyond the classroom, she serves as the Science Department Chair, instructs the Methods of Science course at Shepherd University, and serves as a mentor to pre-service educators, demonstrating her commitment to fostering the next generation of science teachers.

Renee Haines is a science teacher with 14 years of experience at Martinsburg High School in Berkeley County, WV. A National Board Certified Teacher, Mrs. Haines holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from West Virginia University. At MHS, Mrs. Haines teaches 10th through 12th-grade students in life sciences, including biology, biology honors, microbiology, Advanced Placement biology, and WVU dual enrollment biology courses. She strives to establish a student-driven classroom focused on meeting the needs of all learners. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Haines supports pre-service teachers, colleagues, and administration by serving in leadership positions and presenting professional development sessions. Serving as chair on the Local School Improvement Council, Mrs. Haines seeks to engage staff, students, and the community to improve school climate and student performance.

As an advisor to the Science National Honor Society (SNHS), Mrs. Haines conducts a Traveling Science Show with local Kindergarten through 8th-grade students to encourage a love for science and discovery. Through the pandemic, she developed Virtual STEM Day with SNHS students hosting elementary students for an afternoon of science fun to continue this endeavor. Mrs. Haines finds joy in watching students discover the possibilities of science and marvel at the wonders of the world.

Rachel Eades-Gill is a science teacher with 17 years of experience. Ms. Eades-Gill holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from WV Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in Education from Marshall University. Currently, she teaches biology and human anatomy & physiology at Midland Trail High School in Fayette County, WV. Her experience as an educator also includes time as an adjunct for New River Community and Technical College. Additionally, she serves on the Fayette County Schools Leadership team, acting as a curriculum coach and conducting instructional practices inventories for fellow educators.

She has expanded her advisory role to the Science Bowl Team, Achieve 21, Fayette County Professional Staff Development Council, Upward Bound Follow-Up, summer school, alternative school, the College Summitt, and the WV Summative Assessment team as a question writer. Her professional memberships include the West Virginia Science Teachers Association (WVSTA) and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).

Eades-Gill will serve as the 2021 WVSTA Conference Committee Chairperson, an annual event where she has presented sessions including how to “Frame Your Success in the Science Classroom.” Rachel was honored as the 2018 National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Outstanding Biology Teacher for WV. Her teaching philosophy states, “Nothing else in the classroom matters if we do not make necessary connections with our students.”

Nikki Moriarty is a science teacher with 12 years of experience. Currently, she teaches 8th grade science and honors Earth and space science at Horace Mann Middle School in Kanawha City, WV. Nikki earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Science Education from Marshall University and Master of Arts degree from Western Governors University in Chemistry Education. She holds certifications in general science, mathematics through algebra 1, chemistry, and Earth and space science. Nikki has served as her school as the science department chairperson and taken leadership roles as a county team lead and conference presenter. At the state level, she has participated in question analysis for the General Summative Assessment and contributed to the Governors School for the Arts. Her professional development experience includes training with Lego EV3 robotics, the Earth and Space Science Passport Program, and presentations at the West Virginia Science Teachers Association (WVSTA) conferences.

At the national level, she attended the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) conference, the International FlipCon conference, the National NEED conference, the Harnessed Atom Project through the Department of Energy, presented before the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, and is a NASA Endeavor Fellow.

Nikki considers herself a lifelong learner and strives to instill that same love of learning in her students. She continues to look for new, exciting, and engaging ways to expose her students to the evolving world of science.

Tiffany Pace has been an educator for 10 years with Kanawha County Schools and at the time of her award was a third grade teacher at Weberwood Elementary School. She has also taught at J.E. Robins, Lakewood, Montrose, and Alum Creek Elementary Schools and has been an instructor at the Governor’s School for Math and Science and a fourth grade teacher for the West Virginia Virtual School.

Tiffany’s passion for STEM education and global awareness can be seen through her partnership with a third grade classroom at the AngloAmerican School in Managua, Nicaragua. To create a global connection, students video conferenced to compare climates and share photos and stories of our local environments and the habitats around us. To share her STEM experiences with peers, Tiffany has presented at the NSTA National Conference in St. Louis and the NSTA STEM20 Virtual Conference. She has also authored articles and is a reviewer for the NSTA Science and Children journal. Tiffany is a National Geographic Certified Educator, Underwood-Smith Scholars Mentor, NSTA member, West Virginia Science Teachers Association member, DonorsChoose Advocate, and a Fuel Up to Play 60 Advisor. She is a member of her county’s World Cultures and Diversity Cadre and Professional Staff Development.

As a grant writer, she has written and received over $400,000 in grants for educational supplies, STEM materials, technology, gardening materials, healthy eating and physical activity supplies, community outreach programs, and professional development. Tiffany earned her B.S. in public relations and journalism from West Virginia University and her M.A. in education from Liberty University. She is a certified West Virginia teacher with a permanent license in Elementary Education pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

Dr. Angela McKeen has taught in public and private schools for 11 years and taught in higher education for six years. She spent the past five years at Notre Dame High School, where she teaches Honors Physics, Earth and Space Science, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, and 7th Grade Science. Angela worked as a science instructor and science coordinator at St. Mary’s Central School for four years. She began her career at Valley High School, teaching science and English for three years.

Angela’s enthusiasm for the natural world is reflected in her yearly science camps. While working with disadvantaged youth in rural West Virginia, Angela began running her own science camps. Angela’s excitement for teaching science and her active participation in all levels of science education have made her an excellent professional development provider. Her dissertation explored teaching science using aspects of the arts in rural Appalachian classrooms. Angela presented to the Maryland Higher Education Consortium at Johns Hopkins University with a colleague on using trade books to teach science content at the university level. Angela earned her B.A. in secondary education at Fairmont State University and her M.A. in science education at West Virginia University (WVU). She also holds a doctorate in curriculum & instruction from WVU. Angela is certified in chemistry, earth and space science, general science, and English and Language Arts.

Jaime Pettit has been an educator for 12 years and has spent the last 10 years at Moundsville Middle School (MMS). She is currently the sixth-grade science teacher and previously taught at St. Michael Parish School for two years.

Jaime is a firm believer in hands-on, inquiry-based science education. Her students have the opportunity to learn science in her classroom by doing science and participating in activities to pursue new knowledge. Jaime is the science club advisor and science fair coordinator for MMS where she has had a student reach the international science fair two years in a row. Jaime is also a mentor to new teachers and student teachers.

Jaime shares her love of science with colleagues around the state by presenting at state conferences, training teachers on new science curriculum, and helping to coordinate her county’s professional development days.

Jaime earned her B.A. in elementary education from West Liberty State College, and a M.A. in elementary education from West Virginia University. She also holds her administration certification from West Virginia University and post-master’s certificates in leadership & accountability and curriculum and instruction from Capella University. Jaime is currently finishing her Ed.D in curriculum and instruction. She is certified in elementary education and general science.

To learn more about the PAEMST recognition, visit https://www.paemst.org/recognition.  For information about nominating a West Virginia science teacher for the PAEMST award, visit The Award Process Overview or contact WV PAEMST Coordinator Dr. Deb Hemler at Deb.Hemler@fairmontstate.edu.

Erika Klose spent 11 years teaching seventh-grade Science at Winfield Middle School. She is currently the Assistant Director in the Office of Middle and Secondary Learning for the West Virginia Department of Education. She is excited to widen her reach and impact all West Virginia students.

While in the classroom, she presented engaging, student-centered lessons, incorporating technology and focusing on hands-on experiments that encouraged students to own their learning. Erika’s love of science, however, goes well beyond the classroom. A trained geologist, she worked for the U.S. Geological Survey in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, before entering education.

Erika’s students won $10,000 for classroom technology during the first ever Hour of Code and consistently brought home awards from school-wide and county STEM fairs. She coordinated activities for her school to experience science, such as an event about women in STEM, which included U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito, and Toyota, a large local employer. Erika is the President of the West Virginia Science Teachers Association. She earned a B.A. in geology from Smith College, an M.S. in geological sciences from Lehigh University, and an M.A. in teaching from Marshall University. Erika is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds certifications in general science and earth and space science.