Overbrook elementary teacher, brooke bias, being recognized as the outstanding teacher from her school for the first nine-weeks.

Big Hearts, Bright Classrooms: Meet the Elementary Teachers Who Go Above and Beyond

Kanawha County Schools

December 3, 2025

Shining Bright...Like a Diamond

At the December 2nd Board of Education meeting, Kanawha County Schools proudly celebrated 39 incredible elementary teachers—one from every elementary school—who bring energy, love, and a whole lot of learning to their classrooms each day.

These are the teachers who greet students with smiles even before their coffee kicks in… who turn ordinary lessons into something memorable… who comfort, cheer, guide, encourage, and inspire. In short, they’re the ones who make a big school system feel a little more like home. 💛🍎

some of the elementary teachers that were recognized for their outstanding work during the 1st nine weeks posing for a picture outside of KCS central office.

Earned — Not Given

Earlier in the fall, Dr. Paula Potter invited each elementary principal to nominate a teacher who consistently goes above and beyond. Principals highlighted educators who:

  • Create classrooms filled with curiosity, joy, and meaningful learning

  • Lend a hand to colleagues and lift up their school community

  • Go the extra mile through clubs, events, and student activities

  • Lead with kindness, calm, and compassion

  • Serve as role models that students look up to — sometimes literally and always figuratively

Dr. Potter reviewed each nomination using a detailed rubrica teacher walking up during the board meeting to receiver her award. and selected one teacher per school to be honored for the first nine weeks. This recognition will continue throughout the school year as we shine a spotlight on the outstanding teachers who make KCS such a special place.

🌟 See Our Elementary Teachers Shine

The Honorees Are —

Arranged by feeder area:

Capital Area -

  • Eva Phillips — Chamberlain

  • Lexi Miller — Edgewood

  • Stephanie Elkins — Kanawha City

  • Vanessa Legg — Mary C. Snow West Side

  • Morgan Anderson — Piedmont

  • Victoria Groves — Ruffner

George Washington Area -

  • Audra Wilkinson — Alum Creek

  • Jennifer Weaver — Holz

  • Mallory Rachunok — Kenna

  • Brooke Bias — Overbrook

  • Kaitlan Perry — Ruthlawn

  • Kirsten Vieweg — Weberwood

Herbert Hoover Area -

  • Michelle Callen — Clendenin

  • Rachel Gillenwater — Elk Center

  • Makia Mogielski Nelson — Pinch

  • Jodi Barbazette — Shoals

Nitro Area -

  • Tiffany Pace — Cross Lanes

  • Shara Stiltner — Nitro

  • Brittany Holmes — Point Harmony

Riverside Area -

  • Amy Casto — Belle

  • Melissa Slate — Cedar Grove

  • Emily McMillion — Chesapeake

  • Kathleen Searles — Malden

  • Heather Moreland — Mary Ingles

  • Kristen Stamper — Midland Trail

  • Cristyn VanWyck — Pratt

  • Tonya Pettry — Sharon Dawes

Sissonville Area -

  • Tammy Cantrell — Flinn

  • Mikalyn Murphy — Sissonville

South Charleston Area -

  • Laura Fenton — Bridgeview

  • Chelsea McComas — Dunbar Intermediate

  • Debra Ferrell — Dunbar Primary

  • Trina Shaffer — Montrose

  • Tammy Morganroth — Richmond

St. Albans Area -

  • Holly Lampl — Alban

  • Amy Loftis — Andrews Heights

  • Rebecca Becklehimer — Anne Bailey

  • Rachel Cole — Central

  • Ashley Wilburn — Lakewood

some of the elementary teachers that were recognized for their outstanding work during the 1st nine weeks posing for a picture outside of KCS central office.

Round of Applause

These 39 teachers light up their classrooms, lift up their students, and make a difference that stretches far beyond the school day. We are grateful for their passion, their creativity, and their unwavering commitment to kids.

To all our honorees: thank you for leading with big hearts and bright classrooms. KCS is better because of you!