One of the keys to ensuring that our state recruits, prepares, supports, and retains highly effective staff is celebrating the achievements of our educators, service personnel, and schools. When accomplishments and best practices are recognized, it positively impacts morale, professionalism and teamwork across the state. Please review the following recognition programs to learn more:
The West Virginia Teacher of the Year Award Program recognizes teachers of excellence and connects them with a network of other equally inspirational and innovative educators. By recognizing those teachers who bring honor to their profession, the West Virginia program hopes to energize students, enhance community respect for learning, and revitalize teachers across the state.
The Service Personnel of the Year Award Program recognizes outstanding education support personnel for their contributions to their schools and communities. The program honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their jobs, thereby earning them the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, coworkers and parents.
The County Teachers of the Year website identifies individuals who displayed excellence in teaching at the local level.
The National Board Certified Teacher Recognition Event celebrates teachers that successfully earned National Board Certification or successfully maintained their certification during the current year. The West Virginia Department of Education understands the certification process is rigorous and wants to recognize the dedication and commitment everyone puts forth to complete the process. By becoming National Board Certified, recipients exemplify the type of lifelong learners and dedicated professionals we want teaching our students.
Milken Family Foundation
The Milken Educator Award, an initiative of the Milken Family Foundation, has rewarded and inspired excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country with unrestricted monetary awards. Milken Educators are given access to powerful networking and development tools throughout their careers in education.
National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is provided by the U. S. Department of Education and affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.