WVCTM Distinguished Service Award Winner Neil RegerThe WVCTM Board of Directors congratulates Neil Reger, mathematics and computer science teacher at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, for receiving the WVCTM Distinguished Service Award.  This award, nicknamed "The Chair", is the most prestigious award given by the Council and is presented to an individual who has performed exemplary service statewide in mathematics education.

Neil is a National Board Cerified Teacher, recipient of the 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, has taught mathematics and computer science at Buckhannon-Upshur for more than 40 years and serves as chairman of the mathematics department.  He has also served as Lead Teacher and presenter at the state's Teacher Leadership Institute and has authored or co-authored eight national publications presenting mathematics instructional guides, units, and problem-based learning lessons.

Neil is also invaluable in preparing for the annual WVCTM conference.  Based on information submitted by conference presenters, he compiles a list of needed equipment, such as data projectors, document cameras, speakers, etc. He then ensures that the necessary equipment is available and spends the day prior to the conference installing equipment and ensuring that it is working properly. Throughout the conference, he checks with presenters to verify that their needs have been met and to troubleshoot any problems.

WVCTM congratulates Neil Reger on this well-deserved honor.

WVCTM recognized teachers at four programmatic levels as WVCTM 2020 Teachers of the Year (TOY).

West Liberty University teacher Jenna Cook was named the 2020 College/University Mathematics Teacher of the Year.  Comments on her nomination from a colleague include the following: "Mrs. Cook is extraordinary well-liked and well-respected by both her students and her colleagues. Her two primary roles at WLU are teaching and coordinating the general mathematics courses and teaching Math Methods courses to future elementary, middle, and secondary teachers. She works tirelessly in the classroom to give each and every student an opportunity to succeed while simultaneously holding commendably high standards and expectation."                                                                  

High School TOY Jennifer Nail-Cook

Jennifer Nail-Cook, mathematics teacher at Pocahontas County High School, is the 2020 High School Mathematics Teacher of the Year.  Her nomination form stated, "She is completely devoted to giving the best mathematics education to her students.  To hear students speak to intelligently about mathematics in her classroom is simply impressive." Another colleague wrote, "Jennifer is one of those teachers who just keeps getting better at their craft over time."  A former student said, "Mrs. Nail-Cook is one of the most driven, inspiring, and compassionate people I know.  I feel like I could go to her with anything."

Heather Yoho, mathematics teacher at Mannington Middle School, is the 2020 Middle School Mathematics Teacher of the Year.  She has taught at Mannington Middle School for 12 years and has served as an instructor at SM2 Math Camp for approximately 15 years.  In addition to her exemplary teaching, she works at Fairmont State through its Professional Development School Partnership as a representative on the planning committee for the year-long Residency and Induction Program and the 4+1 Master's Program.  Her nomination form said, "She actively assists [the Fairmont State program] by providing up-to-date and accurate information about mathematics education and offers a practical and informed perspective as a public school professional.  She exemplifies what we hope our teacher candidates aspire to be."

Bryan Hott, a teacher at Eagle Elementary School, is the 2020 Elementary School Mathematics Teacher of the Year.  A colleague wrote, "Mr. Hott works hard to instill math confidence in his students.  He believes that all students are capable of learning and growing in math class and adapts his instruction to meet the needs of his students.  He embodies what every teacher should be and is a dedicated teacher that Berkeley County is lucky to have serving their students."  His principal wrote, "Mr. Hott is one of the most engaging and energetic teachers I've seen.  The way he engages and gets to know his students on a personal level is outstanding."  A student wrote, "Mr. Hott teaches us very well.  He will help us when we get stuck but won't just give us the answer. He makes us think, but I like that."

WVCTM congratulates these outstanding educators on their efforts in improving mathematics for students in West Virginia.

Erica Conaughty and Sheila RuddleSheila Ruddle, a retired mathematics teacher from Pendleton County and past WVCTM president, presented the Walter Regula Mathematics Teacher-in-Training Grant to Erica Conaughty, a student at West Virginia University. This award is given in honor of Walter Regula, Sheila’s father, who was a mathematics education professor at Marshall University and who also served as president of WVCTM.

Roger Bennett, Golden Holtan Grant chair, shared the purpose of the Golden Holtans, the new awardees of these grants, and encouragement for future applicants.  Named for Dr. Boyd Holtan, a retired professor from West Virginia University, the Golden Holtans are grants for practicing classroom teachers for development of a particular project in their classrooms.   

Karen DonathanKerianne SmeadThe Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, or PAEMST, is awarded to teachers who complete an in-depth application showing their commitment to mathematics education, both in and outside of the classroom.  Finalists are selected by a state panel and forwarded to a national selection committee, who determines one math and one science winner from each state.  State finalists from the secondary level were recognized at this year's banquet. They were Karen Donathan, George Washington High School, and Kerianna Smead, Fairmont Senior High School.  WVCTM would also like to recognize Allison Shriver, Bradley Elementary School, 2018 K-6 National Awardee in Mathematics, and Craig Mason, 2017 7-12 National Awardee.  At the time of his award, Craig taught at New Martinsville School, but has since taken a position at Magnolia High School.