WVPB Education Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Carissa Gumm Honored With West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above And Beyond Award

Carissa Gumm, a fourth-grade teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary in Calhoun County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s February 2025 Above and Beyond Award, which honors the excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers. The award was presented by WVPB’s Education team during a surprise classroom visit, where Gumm’s students and family gathered to celebrate her achievement. As part of the recognition, Gumm 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 this award.

Gumm is dedicated to meeting students where they are, ensuring each student receives the support they need to succeed. “Students do not come with a one-size-fits-all guide, so it is my responsibility as an educator to identify and implement strategies that allow them to succeed academically,” she said. “There is no greater reward than witnessing the moment when a student grasps a concept — when my teaching approach and their learning style align seamlessly, like puzzle pieces fitting together.”

(from left) WVPB Director of Education Autumn Meadows, Above and Beyond winner Carissa Gumm and her nominator Laura Webb.

*Photo Credit: Brittany McGuire/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

Gumm’s classroom is designed to be an inspiring space, featuring an outdoor adventure theme and seasonal decorations that make learning inviting. “Classrooms should be warm, welcoming spaces where students feel comfortable, supported and excited to learn,” she said.

Her hands-on approach makes learning interactive and fun. One example of her creative approach is ‘Karate Math,’ where students earn belts for mastering multiplication, turning learning into a fun, goal-oriented challenge. Her creativity in lesson planning has earned the admiration of colleagues and parents alike. “Her students enjoy learning because of the activities and methods Mrs. Gumm employs,” said Laura Webb, who nominated Gumm for the award. “She consistently provides her students with engaging projects.”

Beyond academics, Gumm instills the importance of community service. Recently, she led her students in making holiday cards and singing for nursing home residents, reinforcing the values of kindness and community involvement. She organizes events like the science fair and math field day, attends her students’ extracurricular activities and continually seeks professional growth opportunities to enhance her teaching.

Above and Beyond winner Carissa Gumm with her family and nominator.

*Photo Credit: Brittany McGuire/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

“My goal is for my students to recognize the value of education as a fundamental part of their lives — one that empowers them to grow, achieve and embrace lifelong learning,” Gumm said. Gumm’s thoughtful and innovative approach to teaching equips her students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Each month, 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.

John Quesenberry Recognized For His Dedication To History And Civics Education

John Quesenberry, a history and civics teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School in Raleigh County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s January 2025 Above and Beyond Award, which honors the excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers. The award was presented by WVPB’s Education team during a surprise classroom visit, where Quesenberry’s students and principal celebrated his achievement. As part of the recognition, he 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 this award.

Quesenberry has devoted his career to educating and inspiring students for nearly four decades. He challenges high school students to think critically about the past and recognize their role in shaping the future. His approach to teaching extends beyond the classroom, prompting students to engage with their communities and become informed, responsible citizens.

A strong commitment to history and civics shines through in his teaching philosophy. “History teaches us who we are, where we’ve come from, and what ties us together as one people,” he said. He encourages students to see history as an ongoing story, urging them to “put themselves in the place of those who lived it, to consider decisions as if they were making history in real time.” He encourages students to engage with history critically, learning from both triumphs and mistakes.

Civic education is a cornerstone of Quesenberry’s teaching. “Civic engagement is the foundation of our democracy,” he said. “It’s not just about voting — it’s about being involved in your community, serving others, and making a difference.” This philosophy resonates with his students, who leave his class with a deeper understanding of their role as citizens.

Quesenberry’s nominators highlighted his ability to inspire students and his dedication to civic responsibility. One colleague noted, “His enthusiasm for history is contagious, and he teaches students to think critically about the world around them.” Another wrote, “His commitment to empowering students to become knowledgeable, engaged, and proactive citizens is truly commendable and embodies the spirit of the Above and Beyond Award.”

Through his decades of teaching and coaching, Quesenberry has made a lasting impact on his students, shaping them into thoughtful citizens and leaders. His commitment to education, civic engagement, and character development exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond.

Pamela Cox Honored For Inspiring Creativity At Nicholas County High School

Pamela Cox, an art teacher at Nicholas County High School, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s December 2024 Above and Beyond Award, which honors the excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers. The award was presented by WVPB’s Education team during a surprise assembly, where Cox’s art students gathered to celebrate her achievement. As part of the recognition, Cox 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 this award.

At Nicholas County High School, Cox’s classroom is a space where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to create. Samantha Murphy, a Technology Integration Specialist who works with Cox, nominated her for the Above and Beyond Award, saying, “She goes above and beyond to showcase her students’ artwork, creating an environment where they take pride in their work.” Cox’s dedication is evident in the way she fosters creativity, encourages self-expression, and builds strong relationships with her students. She engages them with hands-on projects, helps them enter art competitions, and connects their work to the community.

Respect and engagement are central to Cox’s teaching philosophy. At the start of each school year, she collaborates with students to create a contract outlining classroom expectations. “I have found that when students have a voice in setting the expectations, they are more likely to follow them,” she explained. By giving students ownership in the process, she encourages accountability and mutual respect.

For Cox, art education is about more than teaching technique — it’s about equipping students with the skills to think critically, solve problems, and express themselves in meaningful ways. “Art education requires students to problem-solve and engage in hands-on learning while providing an opportunity for them to be creative,” she said. Her goal is for students to leave her class not only with artistic skills but with an appreciation for creativity that stays with them throughout their lives.

Through her passion, innovation, and dedication, Cox has made a lasting impact on her students and the Nicholas County community. Her Above and Beyond Award is a well-deserved recognition of her efforts to inspire, support, and uplift young artists.

Learn About The Legislature Today Student Reporters Program

Find videos, resources and activities for teaching civic education in West Virginia classrooms.

Michelle Morgan Honored For Going Above And Beyond In Music Education

Michelle Morgan, a music teacher at Nichols Elementary and Village of Barboursville Elementary, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s November 2024 Above and Beyond Award, which honors the excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

The award was presented by WVPB’s Education team during a surprise assembly, where Morgan’s students and colleagues gathered to celebrate her incredible contributions. As part of the recognition, Morgan 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 this award in the Mountain State.

Tonia Gray, an art teacher who works closely with Morgan, described her as “a shining example of what it means to go above and beyond. She’s not just teaching music; she’s teaching resilience, creativity and the value of hard work.” Morgan’s passion for music education is evident in her commitment to creating a meaningful, engaging experience for each student. She creates an environment where students not only learn the fundamentals of music but also discover their own voices and talents. Her classes are filled with the sounds of students singing, playing instruments, and engaging with the joy of making music together.

Beyond her regular lessons, Morgan leads a variety of extracurricular programs, such as choir and drama club. She also helps students participate in all-county and all-state choirs.

Michelle Morgan Stands alongside Tonia Gray, the art teacher and friend who nominated her for the Above and Beyond Award.

*Photo Credit: Brittany McGuire/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

Morgan seamlessly integrates music and character education to help students develop social and emotional skills. She uses music to instill values such as teamwork, perseverance, responsibility and effective communication. “Music is about more than just notes and rhythms,” she explained. “It’s about working together, overcoming challenges, and expressing ourselves in meaningful ways.” Her students learn to support one another, celebrate their successes, and grow from their mistakes.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Morgan is deeply invested in her community. Morgan plays the flute in local theater companies and regularly attends student events to show her support. As faculty senate president and an active PTO member, she works diligently to advocate for her students and colleagues. “She has a strong relationship with parent and community involvement,” said Gray, Morgan’s nominator. “She works with them to plan countless shows, extracurricular choir and drama clubs. The parents and community truly admire her and are grateful for her role in building the music program they have today.”

For Morgan, music is a way to connect, communicate and grow. “Music has the power to connect us, to express what words cannot. I want my students to carry that with them, no matter where life takes them,” she explained. This philosophy drives her commitment to making music an accessible and enriching experience for every student.

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The PBS Kids Writers Contest at West Virginia Public Broadcasting is an annual competition that encourages West Virginia children in grades K-5 to explore the power of creativity by writing and illustrating their own stories.