Elementary school teacher Heather Haught of West Virginia has earned a prestigious 2021-2022 Milken Award. Photo Credit: West Virginia Education Association
I always enjoy sharing stories about talented educators who have earned accolades for their work in the classroom. One of these is Heather Haught, an elementary school teacher from Moundsville, West Virginia, who has earned a prestigious 2021-2022 Milken Award.
Heather teaches first grade at McNinch Primary School in Moundsville. Her instructional strategies emphasize research-based curriculum, differentiated instruction, problem-based lessons, higher-level thinking skills, and a collaborative environment.
“Heather Haught is a sterling example of compassion and commitment, said W. Clayton Burch, West Virginia’s Superintendent of Schools. “She is committed to fostering a strong foundation of learning among her first grade students at McNinch Primary School and illustrates such compassion as she engages families in the education of their children,” he continued. “She not only adopts research-based practices into her instruction plans, but she also shares her innovations and approaches with other teachers in her school and county to advance teaching and learning beyond her own classroom. We are proud of her leadership and the depth of her commitment to the children and families of her community,” he concluded.
In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Heather serves on or leads various school and district committees, including teams handling math, textbook selection, positive behavior support, safety, and hiring. She also conducts professional development programs for the district. And as if all that were not enough, she also instructs college education courses at both West Virginia University and Bethany College.
Heather earned her Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from West Virginia University in 2009 from West Virginia University. She earned Master’s degrees in Elementary Education in 2009 and Reading in 2010 from the same institution, and she completed the coursework for her Administrative Certificate from Wheeling University in 2019.
The Milken Educator Awards have been described by Teacher Magazine as the “Oscars of Teaching.” In addition to the $25,000 cash prize and public recognition, the honor includes membership in the National Milken Educator Network, a group of more than 2,700 exemplary teachers, principals, and specialists from all over the country who work towards strengthening best practices in education. Heather is one of up to 60 educators to receive the Milken Educator Award for the 2021-2022 school year. To learn more, click on Milken Educator Awards.