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Kanawha County Middle School Teacher Earns Above And Beyond Award

Ann Hall, a middle school teacher for more than 23 years in both Boone and Kanawha counties, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes excellence and creativity in and out of the classroom.

Hall was presented the award this week at John Adams Middle School in Kanawha County. She actually won it in February, but inclement weather and COVID-19 precautions delayed the presentation. She received a monetary award, our signature Blenko Above and Beyond blue apple paperweight, a certificate of recognition, and a host of other special gifts made possible by the sponsorship of Advantage Technology.

Ann Hall teaches at John Adams Middle School in Kanawha County. She also has taught at Madison Middle School in Boone County where she also coached the Girl’s Cross Country Team. She also coached Track at Scott High School.

Hall’s motto is to worker smarter, not harder. “Sometimes students struggle with what I call ‘math myths,’” Hall said. “They believe some people have a math mind and some don’t. They believe you must do math quickly in your mind to be a ‘good’ math student. I try to teach with a growth mindset perspective and show my students that through our struggles we all learn and grow. This year they have really persevered and I’m so grateful that I have been able to grow and learn with them.”

Kelly Griffith, WVPB’s Education Director, said Hall certainly goes above and beyond the call of duty for her students. “Ms. Hall is a shining light in the world of education. Her expertise in the field is inspiring as it activates curiosity for students to explore and learn in a safe environment. Her dedication to her students is commendable.”

Hall is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent Mathematics. In 2020, she was selected as a Mountaineer Mathematics Teachers Noyce Fellow (M3T) from the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. She was one of only 19 teachers selected for the fellowship. As an M3T fellow, Hall will have the opportunity to collaborate with math educators throughout the state to further improve her effectiveness in the classroom. She also serves John Adams Middle School as president of the Faculty Senate.

She earned a B.S.B.A. in accounting from West Virginia University and began a promising career in the banking industry before realizing that her true calling was to teach. She then earned a master’s degree from WVU in education.

She has taught 8th grade math at Madison Middle School and was the Girls Cross Country coach at the school, leading the team to success while also coaching track at Scott High School. A dedicated runner herself, she has completed nine marathons.

Hall was nominated for the award by a member of the community who said, “She is an example of someone who ‘walks the walk’ in life.’ During the past year, and as a result of the pandemic, she has continued her dedication to her students without fail.”

She also helped several of her fellow teachers by passing on her technical skills and tips on how to teach remotely. According to her nominator, “She is a coach on all levels!”

As a math teacher, one of Hall’s favorite days during the year is National Pi Day, which is celebrated on March 14 to recognize the mathematical constant pi — 3.14. She celebrates the day with students, friends and family. She’s even been known to bake and deliver pies to exceptional math students to acknowledge their achievements.

Melissa Schroeder Is January's Above and Beyond Award Winner

_{Melissa Schroeder, a 5th-grade teacher from Lincoln County, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes excellence and creativity in and out of the classroom.}

_{Schroeder was presented the award this week at West Hamlin Elementary in Lincoln County, West Virginia. She actually won the award in January, but inclement weather and COVID-19 precautions delayed the presentation. She received a monetary award, our signature Blenko Above and Beyond blue apple paperweight, a certificate of recognition, and a host of other special gifts made possible by the sponsorship of Advantage Technology.}

“Every child in my classroom is a unique being with untapped qualities and undiscovered abilities,” Mrs. Schroeder said. “It is my privilege to spend my days both teaching and learning from them. How blessed am I to watch these children grow into young adults that will change our world and shape our future? What an awesome and humbling experience to know that I’ve had some small impact on their lives while they have changed mine forever!”

_{Kelly Griffith, WVPB’s Education Director, said Schroeder certainly goes Above And Beyond the call of duty for her students. “Mrs. Schroeder is an absolute gem!” Griffith says. “Her softheartedness and generosity toward students, colleagues and the school community is refreshing. This has been a difficult year for educators, but she makes it look so easy. She continually does the difficult work with kindness and praise and is a great example for all.”}

_{Schroeder was nominated by Mr. Rodney Hoover, her administrator at West Hamlin Elementary, who said the teacher affectionately refers to her students as her “lovelies.”}
_{“Mrs. Schroeder is that teacher that will advocate for every child and be that champion that every kid deserves,” Hoover wrote in his nomination. “Once a child is a student of Mrs. Schroeder’s they are always one of her lovelies, and she will follow that student beyond her classroom into adulthood and help any chance that she can.}

_{“Mrs. Schroeder is one of the most giving people that I have ever met. She sacrifices so much of her own time, money, and even health, to be there for children. The greatest compliment that I could give Mrs. Schroeder would be if I had an elementary aged child, I would fight to put my child in her classroom because I know the benefits they would get being with her!”}

_{Schroeder is a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher and has been a standing member on the West Hamlin Elementary Leadership Team for more than 10 years. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, she distributed food and student work three times a week all spring. During summer, she continued to distribute food to families. She also spends hours every day doing live/online instruction with her students. Every day when students enter her room they must go to the How-Am-I Board and check in with how they are feeling that day.}

_{“Mrs. Schroeder is that teacher who will come to my office and REQUEST (more like demand) to have that disadvantaged student that needs that extra attention and love be placed in her classroom,” Hoover said.}

_{She has put herself in charge of purchasing teddy bears to be delivered to students who have experienced the loss of a loved one. She is also in charge of the flower fund for staff members. This year prior to school opening, Schroeder took it upon herself to obtain a list of every student’s school email, login, and password so she could change those to kid-friendly passwords because she knew that the scope of education would be evolving into online platforms. West Hamlin Elementary has nearly 450 students.}

_{“There is no one more deserving,” Hoover said.}

_{Nominate a creative and excellent teacher like Mrs. Melissa Schroeder.}

Nicholas County Kindergarten Teacher Earns Above And Beyond Award

Teresa Brown, a kindergarten teacher from Nicholas County, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes excellence and creativity in and out of the classroom.

Brown was presented the award this week at Gauley River Elementary in Craigsville, West Virginia. She actually won the award in December, but holidays, inclement weather and COVID-19 precautions delayed the presentation. She received a monetary award, our signature Blenko Above and Beyond blue apple paperweight, a certificate of recognition, and a host of other special gifts made possible by the sponsorship of Advantage Technology.

“Teaching is a ministry of relationships,” Brown said. “I can be anywhere and hear ‘Ms. Brown!’ and it just makes me smile from ear to ear. I have loved and learned from my students no matter the generation. From the student who is now a parent to the child in front of me now, I have always striven to establish relationships with students in order to make learning happen. It’s been my honor and my reward to be ‘Ms. Brown’ for several generations.

”Kelly Griffith, WVPB’s Education Director, said Brown is respected for her ability to keep things fun, creative and exciting for her young charges. “She uses quick wit and humor to create a productive classroom environment and she maintains high standards while still appreciating the small things students do and accomplish.

”During the last two years Brown has transitioned to new technologies, software and platforms. Recently, she became an iPad Apple Certified Teacher because her district provides an iPad for each student.“Last summer, Ms. Brown coordinated a kindergarten boost virtual program for upcoming kindergarten students giving them a jump start on kindergarten. She was able to make early connections with families and students, and both of those stakeholders seem to love her.

“She is the prototype of an exemplary teacher with outstanding teaching credentials coupled with kindness and generosity that takes her beyond the boundaries of her school and into her community,” Griffith said.

During the spring COVID-19 lockdown, she contacted her students through home visits, delivering them gifts and lessons to keep their skills sharp. She assisted Nicholas County Schools with meal deliveries to bus stops with greetings of “Hello!” and “I miss you!” She worked with the local SCTV station to record six 30-minute reading lessons that were broadcast over the summer.

Brown is the site coordinator of the Gauley River Elementary after-school program sponsored by Nicholas County Schools, 21st Century After School Learning Program and Save the Children. The program runs four days a week tacking an extra three hours of teaching onto her regular work day and offering reading, math, STEM, music, art, PE and nutrition for at-risk learners.

The person who nominated Brown indicated that she puts a special touch on all she does for her students, school and community. “She is constantly purchasing items her students need from her own salary. Whether it is a birthday, a reward for effort, or just a surprise, her students are always cared for and made to feel special.

”Her colleagues are given special attention, too. She mentors her new kindergarten teaching partner, “never making her feel inferior because she always accepts new ideas and shares the teaching load.” She understands teaching is a collaborative profession and supports other faculty members by serving on school and district committees. “She considers her school family as her own family.

”In the past, Brown has been the recipient of the West Virginia Arch Coal Award and has been named Nicholas County Teacher of the Year. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and serves on the Executive Board of the West Virginia Reading Association as its hospitality chair and parliamentarian.

To nominate a creative and excellent West Virginia teacher, please visit wvpublic.org.

Say 'Hola!' To A West Virginia Spanish Teacher Who Goes Above And Beyond

Mr. William Denham, a high school Spanish teacher from Riverside High School in Kanawha County, was chosen as November's winner of WVPB's Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes excellence and creativity in and out of the classroom.

Mr. William Denham, a high school Spanish teacher from Riverside High School in Kanawha County, was chosen as November’s winner of WVPB’s Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes excellence and creativity in and out of the classroom.

“What an honor it is to be recognized as a teacher that goes ‘Above and Beyond’ for their students,” Denham said. “I’m humbled by the fact that a community member outside of my educational community recognized my efforts and nominated me. I’m further humbled by the knowledge that so many teachers go above and beyond for their students and any one of them would be deserving of this award. I will do all that I can to continue to be deserving of this recognition. Thank you.”

WVPB Education Director Kelly Griffith surprised Denham with a visit to his school Wednesday and awarded him with a monetary award, a signature Blenko Above and Beyond blue apple paperweight, a certificate of recognition and a bevy of other special gifts made possible by the generous sponsorship of Advantage Technology.

Griffith said Denham is a humble man despite his accomplishments and drive to help his students excel beyond high school. “Clearly, Mr. Denham’s students are among the luckiest in the state to have him as a teacher. He exceeded every standard we set for this award. His love of Spanish and student success is apparent both in and out of the classroom. I’m honored to present this award to such a passionate and tireless educator.”

A little Denham wisdom is tucked away on the edge of a whiteboard in his classroom at Riverside High.

Denham has been a high school Spanish teacher in West Virginia for more than a decade. He learned to speak Spanish growing up in Arizona and then on a mission in Argentina.

Emma Pepper, a member of the community, nominated Denham for the award. She noted that he’s an early adopter of the flipped classroom, routinely integrates authentic learning activities, believes in the link between the arts and language, and has been awarded grants to display reproduced murals of famous Spanish artists at Riverside. “These are murals most of his students otherwise would not have had the opportunity to see. He taught them about what was happening in history at the point those murals were painted, and he spoke about it in Spanish,” Pepper wrote.

Denham writes his own children’s books and uses them in class as teaching tools.

Every year, Denham brings in a singing group from Argentina to put on a concert open to any public high school whose students and teachers want to participate. All music is in Spanish. He makes learning fun for his students, often taking to Twitter to chat with them in Spanish about a relevant topic. To get extra credit, they have to respond in Spanish. He’s even had students from other schools participate.

Pepper said Denham “agonizes” over his in-class activities, trying to make sure his students are engaged. “He is not a workbook teacher. He sets up learning stations throughout his classroom and has students participate in a variety of activities. He doesn’t teach to a book, he wants students to be able to use conversational Spanish — Spanish they can use for the rest of their lives.” Denham writes his own children’s books and uses them in class as teaching tools.

He sees results. Last year, all of Denham’s AP students passed their Spanish AP exam, and two students he mentored have gotten into Ivy League schools, a first in Riverside history.

Our First Above and Beyond Winner Is Dancey Howes Of Hacker Valley

Dancey Howes, an elementary school teacher from Webster County, is the first state teacher to earn West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s monthly Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes excellence and creativity in and out of the classroom.

Photo credit: Daniel Walker/WVPB

Outside of the classroom, Denham revitalized Riverside’s food pantry, and for years, was responsible for its fundraising and food distribution. Now the pantry is run by students. He is the president of the West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association (WVFLTA) and has brought nationally renowned speakers to provide professional development for high school and college foreign language teachers. In that role, he advocated for the creation of the Seal of Biliteracy, which is placed on the high school diploma of any West Virginia graduate who meets certain language literacy benchmarks. The seal identifies for colleges and employers that the state has outstanding foreign language graduates.

Denham also has lobbied to change a law that prohibited legal foreigners from becoming teachers. “After all, who better to teach a foreign language than a native speaker?” Pepper said.

ABOUT ABOVE AND BEYOND: The nascent program began during the early days of the pandemic lockdown when WVPB employees started seeing the creativity teachers were using to connect with their students at home. We wanted to call attention to that kind of ingenuity and reward their efforts. Advantage Technology came on as a sponsor and the program launched in October.

OUR PANELISTS: Dr. Melinda Backus from Marshall University, Dr. Stephanie Burdette from West Virginia State University and Mrs. Beverly Kingery, retired teacher, administrator and superintendent.

Our First Above and Beyond Winner Is Dancey Howes Of Hacker Valley

Dancey Howes, an elementary school teacher from Webster County, is the first state teacher to earn West Virginia Public Broadcasting's monthly Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes excellence and creativity in and out of the classroom.

HACKER VALLEY, WEST VIRGINIA — Dancey Howes, an elementary school teacher from Webster County, is the first state teacher to earn West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s monthly Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes excellence and creativity in and out of the classroom.

Howes was presented the award today at Hacker Valley School in rural Webster County. WVPB Executive Director Chuck Roberts and Education Director Kelly Griffith surprised Howes with a monetary award, our signature Blenko Above and Beyond blue apple paperweight, a certificate of recognition, and a host of other special gifts made possible by the sponsorship of Advantage Technology.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for going above and beyond within my school and community. I stand among many teachers that go above and beyond daily,” Howes said.

Hacker Valley School is a 2015-16 West Virginia School of Excellence, that serves children from preschool through eighth grade. Howes teaches preschool through first grade simultaneously. Her students range in age from four to seven years old. Her classroom is activity based. She focuses on creative ways to meet the needs of her young learners.

She was nominated by a co-worker at the school.

“Singing, dancing, creativity, discovery, science, a sense of belonging and place, mathematics and literacy are woven into her classroom,” her nominator wrote. “She reaches out to families to share materials and books. This past year, she hosted ‘Family Nights,’ where she invited families for an evening meal and literacy activities. This venture was quite successful and reached over 80 percent of our school families. She understands that families must be involved as a stakeholder in children’s education to maximize learning. She guided students in a summer reading program during the pandemic… According to students in the school, ‘Ms. Dancey’ shows kindness throughout the school to all students. She shows patience, understanding, and an instinct to nurture learning. One can observe happiness and joy in her classroom. She serves as a mentor for other teachers, even in her youth. Her co-workers appreciate her expertise and help.”

WVPB’s Education Director is herself a veteran of elementary classrooms. She said Howe is clearly deserving of this honor.

“Our judges hit it out of the park on our first Above and Beyond winner,” Griffith said. “Her students and all of the faculty and staff at Hacker Valley School rallied around her in support today when we presented her award. It was incredibly touching, and it quickly became clear that Ms. Howes’s focus on the social-emotional development of her students transcends her classroom. We learned that she even personally delivered meals to her students during the pandemic lock down. That’s just one example of how she truly leads by example, showing us that a successful academic experience for children involves family, includes attention to nutrition, and focuses on the overall wellbeing of the student. Congratulations to her and her lovely school.”

Serving the entire school and rural community is her hallmark. Howes has been a basketball coach when the community could not locate one. She has volunteered with the summer feeding program, the Mountaineer Food Bank giveaway and community events such as fundraising dinners.
Howes also recently was named Webster County Teacher of the Year by the county’s Board of Education. She earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in early childhood and special education from Glenville State College and is working on a master’s degree in Literacy from Concord University.

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Executive Director Chuck Roberts presents WVPB’s Above and Beyond Award to Dancey Howes at Hacker Valley School in Webster County, West Virginia.

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Dancey Howes, left, was presented WVPB’s Above and Beyond Award today at Hacker Valley School in rural Webster County, West Virginia. WVPB Executive Director Chuck Roberts and Education Director Kelly Griffith surprised Howes with a monetary award, our signature Blenko Above and Beyond blue apple paperweight, a certificate of recognition, and a host of other special gifts made possible by the sponsorship of Advantage Technology.

We’re Looking For West Virginia Teachers Who Go Above And Beyond

Nominations are open for West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above And Beyond award, which recognizes and rewards excellence and creativity in teaching.

A West Virginia teacher is chosen each month to be surprised and rewarded for his or her ingenuity in — and in the case of potential coronavirus lock-down situations — out of the classroom.

To be eligible, teachers must hold a current West Virginia teaching certification through the West Virginia Department of Education and currently be teaching. Teachers may be nominated by adults. Minors may work with an adult to submit a nomination. Self-nominations also are permitted. The nomination form will remain open and online throughout the year. Twelve teachers per year will be chosen by a selection committee. Additional references and information may be requested during the selection process.