MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Three area teachers are finalists for the 2023 honor of Teacher of the Year. Honorees are recognized for their professionalism, ability to engage with students and revitalizes the profession in the community.
Shari Tonkery from the Lumberport Elementary School in Harrison County, Lisa Bryant from the Point Pleasant Primary School in Marion County and Amber Nichols from the Eastwood Elementary School in Monongalia County are among the potential winners.
Shari Tonkery teaches third-grade at Lumberport Elementary School. A graduate of Fairmont State University, she has taught in Harrison County for 14 years. Her co-workers said she is a motivator, role model, advisor, and positive influence for students.
Lisa Bryant serves as a second-grade teacher at Point Pleasant Primary School. Bryant has worked in the classroom for 26 years and holds advanced degrees in education from Marshal University. Bryant also serves as faculty senate president, the teacher in charge, a technology integration support liaison, and as a member of the leadership team.
Amber Nichols has 21 years experience in education and is a kindergarten teacher at Eastwood Elementary School in Morgantown. Nichols holds a communications degree from Shepherd College and a Master of Education from West Virginia University. She also is an active member of Eastwood Elementary’s leadership, curriculum, and behavior intervention teams, and she is a mentor teacher for future teachers.
West Virginia’s Teacher of the Year and School Service Personnel of the Year will be announced on September 13, 2022, during a ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.