WV Chamber Foundation Announces 2027 Teacher of the Year Finalists

Charleston, W.Va. – In partnership with the West Virginia Chamber Foundation, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is proud to announce finalists for the 2027 West Virginia Teacher of the Year (TOY). Chosen from among 55 county finalists, these educators embody selfless dedication, commitment to academic excellence and passion for student success.
 
Since 1964, the West Virginia Teacher of the Year program has honored educators who go above and beyond to elevate the profession and positively shape the lives of students. West Virginia’s educator recognition program remains one of the largest and longest-running programs of its kind in the nation.

New in 2026, the Champions of Learning Gala highlights various professional and service personnel positions within the school system that are essential to supporting the whole child and creating a safe and welcoming learning environment.

The 2027 TOY finalists are:

Morgan Bricker

Morgan Bricker is a 20-year veteran teacher who has established student media programs at three high schools. Since 2017, she has taught English 11, journalism, broadcasting, newspaper, yearbook and dual-credit media literacy at Weir High School in Hancock County. She holds a permanent West Virginia professional teaching certificate in English, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Muskingum University with minors in psychology, speech communication, and Spanish. Additionally, she earned a Master of Arts in Journalism Mass Communication from Kent State University. Bricker is also a certified journalism educator and master journalism educator through the Journalism Education Association. In 2025, Bricker crafted Hancock County Schools’ application to participate in the News Literacy Project District Fellowship program and serves as its lead fellow. She is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) student reporting labs teacher ambassador, the West Virginia Journalism Education Association state director, a blog coordinator for the Journalism Education Association Scholastic Press Rights Committee and is the co-founder and president of the West Virginia Scholastic Media Association. From 2021-2023, Bricker collaborated with the Student Press Law Center and state stakeholders to enact West Virginia New Voices legislation and helped secure the First Amendment Press Freedom Award for Weir High School in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Dr. Stefanie Cirilli

Dr. Stefanie Cirilli is an 18-year teaching veteran who serves as a Title I reading specialist for Grades K-5 at Elm Grove Elementary School in Ohio County. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education with an elementary endorsement and a minor in Multi-categorical Special Education from Bethany College, a Master of Arts in Reading from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Education in K-12 Leadership from Jones International University. Additionally, she is a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) with an exceptional needs specialist specialization. In the classroom, Cirilli draws on Fred Rogers' philosophy to provide a nurturing, safe environment for all students while implementing instruction grounded in the Science of Reading. Cirilli collaborates in leading the Title I Schoolwide Planning Committee and works with her Title I team to plan schoolwide initiatives, including family engagement nights. She also facilitates Time to Read—a schoolwide reading incentive program—for Grades K-2. Beyond the classroom, she is an adjunct instructor in education at Wheeling University and serves on the University's Education Personnel Preparation Advisory Committee.

Heather Hartman

Heather Hartman teaches seventh- and eighth-grade science, biology, earth science and physical science to both deaf and visually impaired learners at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Romney, West Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University, a Master of the Art in Teaching from Frostburg State University and a certificate to teach visually impaired students from Marshall University. Additionally, Hartman has completed training in Research Experience for Teachers in Energy and the Environment and the use of a refreshable Braille display and has participated in Exploring Geoscience Solutions workshops. From the science classroom and outdoor education to the director of education and back to classroom instruction, she fosters high expectations by encouraging strong work habits while instructing students on crucial access technology skills and expanded core curriculum. To provide real-world application of her curriculum, she chaperones her students at Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students in Alabama and oversees students in the Braille Challenge, a literacy competition, and Cane Quest, an orientation and mobility program. Her commitment to student independence ensures her learners are prepared for both academic success and life beyond the classroom.

Nicole Mattingly

Nicole Mattingly is a sixth-grade teacher at Clay-Battelle Middle/High School in Monongalia County, where she has taught since 2019. She holds a professional teaching certification endorsed in Multi-categorical Special Education (K–Adult) and has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (multi-subject, K-6) from Fairmont State University. Mattingly is the founder of the annual Clay-Battelle community breast cancer awareness “Pink Out" event, raising more than $100,000 in 16 years for local cancer patients. She is actively involved and recognized throughout West Virginia for her role as a coach and ambassador for the statewide initiative, Game Changer, where she promotes and instills awareness of substance misuse prevention and education via peer leadership. Whether it is teaching in the classroom, coaching on the sidelines or advocating on stage, Mattingly is compassionate and respected by her peers, students, parents and community.

Laura Presley

Laura Presley is a NBCT in English language arts (ELA) at Princeton Senior High School in Mercer County, where she has taught since 2010. Presley currently teaches honors English 10, English 9 and a Holocaust literature elective. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in English 5–Adult from Concord University and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Marshall University. As the English department chair and a mentor teacher, Presley leads districtwide literacy and professional learning initiatives, including collaborative teaching models that integrate ELA with history and geography. Presley has developed innovative student engagement opportunities—the district’s Bookapalooza literacy event and the countywide Academic Bowl—and coordinated local and national partnerships, including programs with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Southern West Virginia GEAR UP. A recognized NBCT mentor statewide, she serves as an ambassador for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and presents for the WVDE’s mentorship program. Her commitment to advancing education extends beyond the classroom through her service as student council and homecoming coordinator, where she connects the students to their community. Presley’s career reflects a passion for literacy, cultural understanding and empowering both students and educators to reach their highest potential.

"It is often said that the teaching profession is the gateway to all other professions, and these finalists embody this in everything they do for students. Our public schools are full of educators who strive daily to ensure every student is preparing for a successful future. I am proud of them and these five educators who are ambassadors for our schools and advocates for the children of West Virginia."

Michele L. Blatt, State Superintendent of Schools

The 2027 TOY will be announced during the Champions of Learning Gala on Sept. 8, 2026, in Charleston. 

The WVDE announced other Champions of Learning category finalists previously. These include:

• West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year
• West Virginia School Counselor of the Year
• West Virginia School Principal of the Year

Learn more about the TOY program.