Concord University Teacher Programs Recognized for Excellence
All seven of Concord University’ s teacher preparation programs submitted for review by the West Virginia Department of Education’ s Content Area Program Approval were recognized for excellence and best practices upon first submission.
The review and approval process is rigorous and mandated by the state education department. Distinguished Professor of Education Dr. Andrea Campbell currently serves as director of teacher education and chair of the Department of Education at Concord University. Campbell led all seven programs through the submission and review process.
“ Through our dedicated faculty and close relationships with our public school partners, we ensure our graduates are ready to be effective in their classrooms on day one,” Campbell says.“ Additionally, Concord has increased the accessibility of our program by offering complete online options for elementary education and, new this fall, special education. We have found that our on-campus and online program offerings stand out because of the rich relationships our caring faculty build with our learners and the high standards expected of our students.”
Concord University was founded upon teacher education and continues to build on this rich heritage while preparing students for today’ s classroom.
Campbell has been elected by her peers from other state institutions of higher education to serve as chair of the West Virginia Teacher Education Advisory Council. She is also serving as principal investigator on a Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Track 2 grant awarded by the National Science Foundation.
Jumping Branch Girl Scout Earns Gold Award for Math Education Project
A Girl Scout from Summers County has earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, for her project, Learning Math for a Better Future.
Emma Angell, a member of Girl Scout Troop 32080 with the Girl
Emma Angell.
Scouts of Black Diamond Council, created and led a yearlong math club to help elementary school students strengthen foundational skills. Her project addressed declining math scores in her community, which were further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning.
“ Emma’ s project exemplifies the courage, character and leadership the Gold Award represents,” says Beth Casey, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council.“ Her work not only improves math skills for local students but also creates a sustainable resource for the community.”
Working with Summers County Schools, retired educators and community volunteers, Angell designed interactive activities that taught students how to tell time on both digital and analog clocks, measure with standard tools, make purchases, give change and write checks.
Parents received resources and access to a lending library of math games and books, extending the project’ s impact beyond the classroom.
“ I wanted kids to see that math isn’ t something to be afraid of,” Angell says.“ By making learning fun and practical, students gained confidence and skills they can use in everyday life.”
Results from pre- and post-program surveys showed significant improvement. Ten percent of students could tell time on an analog clock before the program; afterward, 95 % could. No students could write a check before the project. By its completion, 100 % could.
The project will be sustained through agreements with Summers County educators and a lending library available to the community.
Huntington Carpentry Teacher Wins 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize
Hugh Roberts, carpentry teacher at Cabell County Career Technology Center, has been named a grand prize winner of the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, winning $ 30,000 for himself and $ 70,000
Hugh Roberts. for his school’ s program.
Roberts is one of five grand prize winners. Twenty-five high school skilled trades teachers across the U. S. received a portion of the $ 1.5 million in cash prizes awarded.
The prize, now in its ninth year, was created to recognize excellent high school skilled trades teachers. As of today, over $ 10 million has been awarded to more than 180 teachers and their programs. Harbor Freight Tools for Schools’ mission is to increase understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education in U. S. public high schools.
This year’ s winners are from Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 by Eric Smidt, owner and founder of Harbor Freight Tools.
“ In recent years, we have seen growing support for the expansion of skilled trades education in high schools,” Smidt says.“ The skilled trades are experiencing significant labor shortages and these outstanding teachers are leading the way in developing a new generation of skilled trades professionals.”
Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, says prizewinners completed a rigorous application process where they shared their unique depth of experience and skill for teaching the skilled trades. In addition to receiving the cash awards, they will join a network of more than 150 past winners who help boost skilled trades education in their local communities and nationally. •
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