Rebecca Walters Celebrated With WVPB’s Above And Beyond Award

Rebecca Walters, an English teacher at Fairmont Senior High School in Marion County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s May 2025 Above and Beyond Award, which honors the excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers. Walters’ sister, Emilie Lewis, and WVPB’s Education team presented the award during a schoolwide assembly. As part of the recognition, Walters received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program, proudly sponsors the award.

Walters believes that high expectations, paired with individualized support, are key to helping students thrive. “By setting high standards for my students, I allow them the opportunity to show me what they’re capable of, which gives me the chance to meet them where they are,” she explained.

In her classroom, students are encouraged to think critically and use language with purpose. Walters hopes her students grow into individuals who “give their words value by being honest, honoring commitments, and appreciating others.” At the end of each school year, she writes a personalized note to each student—offering a lasting reminder that they are seen, celebrated, and supported.

Photo Credit: Brittany McGuire/West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Walters also leads by example, embracing mistakes as opportunities to grow. “The most important thing a teacher can do is show their students what responsibility looks like in owning a mistake, apologizing, and making it right,” she said. “If you give yourself and others grace and are willing to put in the work to keep growing, you’ll see it reflected in your student behaviors.”

Outside the classroom, Walters is an integral part of school life. She serves as a class sponsor, club sponsor, Faculty Senate executive board member, and leader of the school’s PBIS program. She’s a familiar face at extracurricular events and volunteers for school dances, field trips, and community-building activities. Earlier this year, she stepped in to assist theater students in preparing for their regional competition, contributing to their first-place finish.

Walters is also active in her community. She’s a longtime leader in the Marion County 4-H program, serving as a camp counselor, organizational leader, and board member. She volunteers and performs with the Fairmont State Town & Gown Players, and one of her performance groups helped raise over $14,000 for the local United Way.

“She constantly strives to teach and lead her students to achieve to the best of their abilities and beyond,” said her nominator, Linda Dewitt. “She goes above and beyond in every aspect of teaching and learning.”

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.