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Folkways Curriculum

A team of teachers from across the Mountain State was formed to create an educational component featuring Appalachian folklife and culture. They developed a tool kit for educators to incorporate Appalachian folkways into their classrooms.

This initiative is part of West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Inside Appalachia Folkways Project which expands WVPB’s coverage into Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky, and deepens our cultural reporting in West Virginia. Reporters with the Folkways Project uncover a diverse range of stories about folk arts, culture, music, and foodways, and other cultural practices found throughout central Appalachia. The stories provide a glimpse into people and places that are often left out of the media’s portrayal of Appalachia, and allow people to talk about the cultural traditions from their communities that they want to preserve for future generations.

K-1st Curriculum

2nd-3rd Grade Curriculum

4th-5th Grade Curriculum

Curriculum Specialists Team

We are really appreciative of the hard work and dedication the Curriculum Specialists Team put forth for this project!

Mary E. Lind, NBCT

• Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator Prek-2
• Jefferson County Schools West Virginia
• Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
• National Board Certification Middle Generalist
• 21 years in education

“Hello! I am Mary and I have been a West Virginia educator for over twenty years. I absolutely adore our mountain state and working with these Stories and tales from Appalachia has been a highlight of my career! I live in a 200 old year old log cabin in the Eastern Panhandle of our Mountain State with my husband Ray. I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in kindergarten. Developing curriculum is my jam and surrounding myself with passionate educators are two of my favorite things!”

Megan A. Bacorn

• 2nd grade Teacher
• BA in Elementary Education
• MA as a Reading Specialist
• Master of Education in Instructional Leadership (MEIL)
• 2015 PBS Digital Innovator Award recipient; has taught for 18 years
• Mason Dixon Elementary School in Monongalia County, WV

 “The Inside Appalachia Folkways project pieced my West Virginia childhood into a quilt of culture, learning experiences and traditions that warmed my proud, Appalachian heart. Sharing stories and experiences is second nature in the classroom and, with the Folkways project, we connected our love of learning and listening. I am so honored to be in a profession that puts the needs of children ahead of all things, no matter the circumstances or challenges. Together, we can do great things!”

Dancey Howes

• Multi-age Teacher
• First to receive West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s “Above and Beyond” award
• Hacker Valley School in Webster County, WV

 For 5 years, she has taught Preschool, Kindergarten, and First grade. She earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in early childhood and special education from Glenville State College and a graduate degree in Literacy from Concord University. Dancey was the first recipient of West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s monthly Above and Beyond Award.

Tonya Hatcher, NBCT

• NBCT Literacy and Language Arts: Early/Middle Childhood
• BA Elementary Education/Multi-Subjects and MA Curriculum and Instruction
• Has taught for 21 years
• Williamson PK8 in Mingo County Schools, WV

 “I am married to my husband Julius and we have two amazing sons; Julius and Josiah. My absolute joy in life is being their momma! I love the Lord with all my heart and thank Him daily for calling me to teach. Over the last 21 years, I hope that I have instilled confidence and belief in each of my students–that beyond excelling in reading and math–they knew they were loved and valued.”

Deanna Cunningham, NBCT

• Kindergarten Teacher
• 33 years of teaching experience, including K, 1st and 2nd grade
• Kenna Elementary School in Jackson County, WV
• Nationally Board Certified
• Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a specialization in early childhood

“I loved working on this project for West Virginia Public Broadcasting. These lessons are prepared for teachers to allow their students to explore Appalachian folkways through using hands on experiences. We hope you enjoy using these resources as much as we have enjoyed creating them for you.”

Dana Holstein

• 2nd grade Teacher
• BA in Elementary Education
• MA in Special Education
• Madison Elementary School in Boone County, WV

“I am Dana. I have taught for 25 years. I have lived in West Virginia most of my life. I love this great state and love teaching my second graders West Virginia History and about our Appalachian culture. The Inside Appalachia Folkways project provides wonderful stories to share with students and connect stories with our culture. I enjoyed listening to the many recordings and building curriculum for teachers and students.”

Justin Endicott

• 4th grade Teacher
• 15 years of teaching experience including instructional coaching for K-5 teachers
• Has been creating/leading national Professional Development sessions for 5 years
• Logan County Schools, WV

Justin Endicott is from the Southern Coalfields of West Virginia centered at the heart of Appalachia and recently became part of the Man Pioneer family. It is important to note that the majority of Justin’s career has been spent in a classroom full of kids where he finds himself the happiest. Justin is a teacher at heart, but also loves his time in curriculum and standards where you will find him coaching teachers. He works as a facilitator for Teaching Lab and serves as a 3-5 EL lead coach for Open Up Resources. In his spare time, Justin can be found enjoying the outdoors on his porch or dabbling in art.