From left, Valley High School Student Body President Ava Morris and Wetzel County Superintendent of Schools Bill Jones present the Wetzel County Teacher of the Year award to Janice Moore, French teacher at VHS and Short Line School and Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Wetzel County Schools. Morris is also the field commander of the VHS Marching Band which performed at the board meeting.

Janice Moore, French Teacher at Valley High School and Short Line School and Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Wetzel County Schools, was honored as Wetzel County’s Teacher of the Year Monday evening at a meeting of the Wetzel County Board of Education held at Valley High School.

Moore has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a French Major from the University of Scranton and obtained additional credits for her permanent teaching certificate from West Virginia University. She has been a teacher with Wetzel County Schools since January of 1992. She is a member of the Fairmont State University Professional Development School Partnership, serves on the Valley High School Technology Team, was a member of the Differentiated Instruction Cadre, has served on the Task Force for At-Risk Students and Work-Based Learning, has presented at the National High Schools That Work Conference, and has provided numerous staff development sessions on the topics of SmartBoard technology, Differentiated Instruction, High Schools That Work 10 Key Practices, Programs of Study, and Advisor/Advisee.

“Moore’s message to her profession and the public in general is, ‘Everything we do is to serve the students. Genuinely love children above all else. We are fortunate to be able to share in teaching, directing, and guiding young people. I am excited to share in the successes of my students and to be there for them in their times of trouble,'” noted Tammy Holbert Wells, director of school improvement, in her presentation to the board.

A fellow teacher described Moore as a dedicated and hard-working individual who serves as an excellent role model for our students, and for other teachers. Another educator added that Moore is optimistic and enthusiastic when it comes to teaching and bridging the gap for student learning.

VHS Student Body President Ava Morris assisted in honoring Moore and said she has been one of her favorite teachers.

When humbly accepting the award, Moore said she does not act alone in helping to guide the students. “It takes a village,” she said, thanking the administration who lets her experiment with various methods, the students who teach her a lot, and the parents who are very involved.