Alexa Guynes and her fifth graders start every day sitting on the carpet and reading a picture book together. Picture books for tweens? Absolutely: “It’s a great way to start the class off calmly, get to know my students better, and spend time in literature together.”
Principal Andrea Trio has built strong relationships with community partners who support students and families with food, school supplies, their time and more: “They are vital members of our school family.”
First grade teacher Abby Turbak doesn’t remember teachers building meaningful relationships with her when she was a student. That’s part of what motivated her to pursue education: “I wanted to be that teacher for my kids.”
Fourth grade teacher Christopher Nunez believes that his Milken Educator Award surprise will be a “forever memory” for the students who witnessed it: “They’ll always understand that being a teacher can truly be an honor.”
Kindergarten teacher Jessica Kavitz incorporates a lot of physical activity into her class to keep her young students engaged and ready to learn: “Everybody is happier when they’re moving and dancing!”
Positive childhood experiences form a responsible and thriving citizen,” says fifth grade math teacher Tyler Shows. “If I can be a positive influence in even a small way for my students, it’s worth every bit of the work.”
The relationships Jessica Barnette builds with her K-1 students endure long after they move up: “I will always be there to support and encourage them, even after they have left my classroom.”
"My time as a principal made me a better teacher and a stronger leader," says Brian Allman (WV '19). Teaching social studies at Buckhannon-Upshur High School is a full-circle experience — some of his ninth graders witnessed his Milken Award surprise as middle schoolers.
Jamie Karaffa (ME ’21) reminds us of the importance of human connection: “We truly need each other to find joy.”
West Virginia’s Milken Educators convene to tackle the state’s teacher shortage.
