State’s Educator Honors Set To Expand 

The West Virginia Department of Education will soon recognize more educators for their positive impact on West Virginia students. 

The new Champions of Learning awards program set to begin this fall will replace the long-running Excellence in Education Celebration.  

The event — supported by the West Virginia Chamber Foundation — will continue to honor the state’s annual Teacher of the Year and Service Personnel of the Year.   

It will also expand to include the Counselor of the Year, Principal of the Year and regional businesses that demonstrate exceptional commitment to education.   

West Virginia’s Teacher of the Year program is one of the longest-running teacher recognition programs in the nation. Since 1964, the West Virginia Board of Education and the WVDE have named 62 exemplary practitioners who have represented the positive qualities of public education. 

“The Champions of Learning celebration represents an exciting evolution of a longstanding tradition,” State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt said. “By broadening the recognition to include more education professionals, we are showcasing additional team members who support learning and academic achievement in the Mountain State. We have said that it takes all of us to support our public schools. Including the business community is an important part of the celebration of education. I am truly grateful to the West Virginia Chamber Foundation for taking up this worthy cause.” 

The West Virginia Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that strives to make a positive impact on the lives of West Virginians through education, workforce and economic development. 

“Public education is the cornerstone of progress,” West Virginia Chamber President Steve Roberts said. “The business community is eager to support the success of our students and those who work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals. We look forward to working with the entire community to help students succeed.”