Fostering Discovery And Community: Jaime Phillips Ford Inspires Students Through Science And Leadership

Jaime Phillips Ford, a science teacher at East Fairmont High School in Marion County, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s September 2025 Above and Beyond Award, which honors excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers. Ford received her award during a surprise presentation at the school’s homecoming pep rally, where her family and students celebrated her achievement. As part of the recognition, Ford received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program, proudly sponsors the award.

Ford’s passion for science, hands-on learning, and community connection shines through in everything she does. As the advisor of the Interact Club, a high school version of the Rotary Club, Ford helps students make meaningful contributions to their community. Together, they placed food in Blessing Boxes, delivered cards to nursing homes and Meals on Wheels, cleaned up local roadways, and filled boxes of food for global distribution.

“It is all about the connection students should be feeling within their community and across the globe,” Ford said. “It is always the smile of satisfaction on their faces at the end of a project that lets me know they want to be part of the bigger picture.”

Ford also coaches both boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams, volunteers for extracurricular activities, and serves as an active member of the Rotary Club. She often speaks to local groups and participates in a local running group.

“I don’t want to overlook the personal connection I’ve made with my students over the years,” she said. “Watching students grow, listening to their concerns, and giving them opportunities within and beyond the campus is fulfilling and the ultimate reason I continue to love my job.”

Ford encourages students to think like scientists. “I hope they remember that science wasn’t just about facts or formulas,” she said. “It was about curiosity, asking questions, and learning how to think. I hope they remember that it’s okay to make mistakes, to wonder ‘why,’ and to be amazed by how the world works.”

Ford’s creativity has also led to unique learning opportunities that connect science with the natural world. As the Beekeeping Advisor, she has helped students overcome fears and discover fascination in the hive. Her students care for the hives, extract honey, and even return after graduation to help. Ford and her students also created a 200-by-50-foot pollinator garden.

“Projects like these bring out something different in students,” she said. “It engages them. Students were more than excited to till the ground, sow it with seeds, and tend it. Watching the flowers come in is just an additional perk.”

Her colleagues describe her as a role model with a positive, can-do attitude who continually challenges students through meaningful experiences. From writing grants to fund beekeeping projects to encouraging students to lend a hand in their community, Ford truly embodies what it means to go above and beyond.

Each month of the school year, WVPB has an esteemed panel of judges that select one deserving teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.