Elementary school teacher Sharon Cole of Wayne County, West Virginia, has been named her state’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: West Virginia Watch
It is always exciting to share the story of an exceptional educator who has been honored for his or her work with young people. Today, I share the story of Sharon Cole, an elementary school teacher from West Virginia. She has been named her state’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.
Sharon teaches second grade at Ceredo-Kenova Elementary School in Wayne County. Those who visit her classroom can see obvious signs of her enthusiasm for teaching and learning. In one corner, she has created an environment that includes a Magic Tree House Reading Center, where the honored teacher emphasizes the magic of reading in a creative and energetic way. “I love every minute of being in the seven and eight-year-old world,” declares Sharon.
In addition to her work with her youngsters, Sharon has served as an active member of her school’s Leadership Team; the Hiring Committee; and the leader of the Second Grade Curriculum Team. Also, she served as Ceredo-Kenova Elementary’s Faculty Senate President. Furthermore, she has been a model for Marshall University student teachers and a mentor for future teachers.
Sharon earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Her career as an educator spans 34 years.
As the 2024 winner, Sharon travelled to the White House on May 2, 2024, for a state dinner hosted by First Lady Jill Biden. In addition, Sharon will receive a vehicle for use throughout the year from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia; $5,000 from both Highmark West Virginia and the Horace Mann Companies; a $1,000 classroom grant from the West Virginia Education Association; a two-night stay at a West Virginia state park from the West Virginia Department of Tourism; a $250 Amazon gift card and gift basket from the West Virginia Professional Educators; $500 from the American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia; $500 from the West Virginia Lottery; and a tuition and lodging grant from Leadership West Virginia valued at $5,600.
