I chose Wheeling out of a desire to stay close to home. Although I’m a Moundsville native and a John Marshall High School alum, I spent most of my higher education in Ohio County—first at West Virginia Northern Community College for two years, then at West Liberty University—where I earned my teaching credentials.
I began teaching in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic while still an undergraduate at West Liberty. I taught American Literature and Composition as a student teacher before transitioning into substitute teaching, which I continue to do today.
During my student teaching at Wheeling Park High School, I experienced firsthand the breadth of opportunity available to more than a thousand students. I navigated the controversial 7 a.m. start time, worked alongside highly qualified local educators, and felt the constant pressure that comes with teaching—holding students accountable while building meaningful relationships. Most memorably, I experienced the culture and spirit of the Park.
My substitute teaching journey began at Warwood School, where I quickly learned to embrace the high-energy, often chaotic environment that defines many middle schools. It didn’t take long to notice something special about Warwood.
Warwood was the first school where I taught independently. It became my first true classroom—the same space where several talented educators before me had launched successful careers.
While I have substitute taught at other outstanding schools in Wheeling, including Bridge Street Middle, Triadelphia Middle, Wheeling Middle, and Steenrod Elementary, it was at Warwood where I found my purpose as an educator.
I teach for the love of every one of my students.
I vividly remember upon transferring to West Liberty when my advisor wondered why I wanted to teach. I had no idea how to adequately answer that question, so I replied, “I want to make a difference.”
I also struggled to figure out what I wanted to teach. I took various courses that aroused my curiosity and personal interests, such as Creative Writing, Fundamentals of Acting, Fundamentals of Voice, and even Cinema. I also enrolled in Foundations of Education where I volunteered at Laughlin Chapel to assist children generally coming from the lower-income communities. I was fortunate enough to build lasting connections with every one involved at the chapel. I learned to make connections to help my students recognize the inherent greatness that exists within them.
I taught over a hundred students over the course of my year student teaching. Being at Wheeling Park, building relationships like how I did at Laughlin Chapel, proved to be a daunting task for me, but I remember everyone I had in my class because I persevered. After all, a teacher never forgets their students.
More recently, I educated 63 fantastic sixth-grade students and an additional 27 incredible seventh-grade students at Warwood Middle School. They were both my cheerleaders and my critics; collectively molding me to become better. Teaching them was what made Warwood Middle perhaps my finest year in teaching, so far. I became better at believing in my students, and it is both enriching and fulfilling to me when I watch all my students grow into independent, self-sufficient learners.
I am blessed to learn from experienced educators in the area.
I have had a wonderful crew of teachers at Warwood Middle to guide me through my journey as a young educator. I still keep in touch with them even though I am no longer with them as often.
While in pursuit of future teaching opportunities in Wheeling, I took it upon myself to learn more about the profession by shadowing Heather Vickers, English teacher at Bridge Street Middle, and Shawna Safreed, former English teacher there, now Director of Education at Wheeling University.
First, I visited Heather’s eighth-grade English class where her students were engaged in a seminar about the Holocaust from a unique perspective. Heather taught me, right then and there, about the importance of allowing every student to lend their voice even if what they suggest is unpopular.
Then, I stopped by Shawna’s seventh-grade class. She devoted the first fifteen minutes of class to teaching her students the importance of serving in their community. She also exposed her students to a brief history of Wheeling, such as the former roller coaster that once operated at Wheeling Park. She had students discuss what they learned about Wheeling in small groups at the end of the presentation.
Every educator in Wheeling is amazing at their work, but Heather and Shawna both took time from their precious, busy days to share their classroom with me and convey what they do to help their students succeed. I enjoy teaching because I get to work with wonderful people like them.
I started right here in Wheeling.
I substitute teach in both Moundsville and Wheeling, having served the vast majority of the students in both cities. I may have future plans to acquire a full-time teaching position and, eventually, advance into professorship. I may venture out to other places in pursuit of opportunity. I will never forget where I started my career in the first place.
Wheeling, West Virginia.
I’m ecstatic knowing our community has a free, appropriate, and inclusive education for all.
That is why I enjoy substitute teaching right here in the friendly city.
