Mercer County English Teacher Named Teacher of the Year As Educational Award Expands Scope

Laura Presley of Princeton Senior High School is the West Virginia 2027 Teacher of the Year.  

Educational leaders including state superintendent Michele Blatt were present for the announcement during the West Virginia Department of Education’s (WVDE) Champions of Learning event at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center Tuesday evening.  

Presley also serves as student council and homecoming coordinator, and has developed innovative student engagement opportunities including the district’s Bookapalooza literacy event and the countywide Academic Bowl.  

As part of her new responsibilities as teacher of the year, Presley will be requested to maintain a relationship with the WVDE for one year. During that time, she will have the opportunity to give lectures, provide consultations, and participate in other activities with the department. A recognized National Board Certified Teacher mentor statewide, she already serves as an ambassador for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and presents for the WVDE’s mentorship program. 

Presley was selected from a list of five finalists from across West Virginia, who were chosen from the state’s 55 county winners for their dedication to their profession and student success. The finalists were: 

• Morgan Bricker, English and student media teacher from Weir High School in Hancock County 

• Dr. Stefanie Cirilli, Title I reading specialist at Elm Grove Elementary School in Ohio County 

• Heather Hartman, science teacher at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Hampshire County   

• Nicole Mattingly, sixth-grade teacher at Clay-Battelle Middle/High School in Monongalia County   

Presley is now eligible for the National Teacher of the Year award. Prior winners have been awarded monetary and other awards from sponsors, including the use of a new Toyota for the duration of their yearlong duties.  

Previously limited to teacher and school service personnel of the year and titled the Celebration of Excellence in Education, this year’s expanded event includes the school counselor, principal and business partner of the year recognitions.  

“The inaugural Champions of Learning Gala honors excellence and celebrates the spirit of our collaborative efforts. We not only recognize the phenomenal educators and staff who serve selflessly, but also the partners who understand that our public education system is key to the future of our state,” Blatt said. “Building and sustaining these partnerships while also creating opportunities and innovations for schools and students will benefit communities throughout our state as we move toward a brighter future.” 

The other 2027 Champions of Learning include: 

•  Lisa Cook, School Service Personnel of the Year, a Boone County Schools bus driver known for creating a safe, welcoming and positive environment for students. 

• Miriam Mason, School Counselor of the Year, a school counselor at Mylan Park Elementary School in Monongalia County. She serves students in a Title I setting and leads wellness initiatives as the school’s wellness coordinator. 

• Alicia Riggleman, Principal of the Year, a dedicated educational leader currently serving as the principal of Musselman High School in Berkeley County.