Putnam County Schools is honored to celebrate West Virginia Teacher of the Year and Rock Branch Elementary School Music Educator Seth Skills.
On September 10, 2024, the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) announced Seth Skiles from Putnam County as the 2025 West Virginia Teacher of the Year (TOY) during the Celebration of Excellence in Education: Honoring the 2025 Teacher and Service Personnel of the Year event at the Culture Center in Charleston.
Mr. Skiles is a passionate six-year music educator and a West Virginia native who teaches at Rock Branch Elementary School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from Anderson University and obtained a master’s degree in church music with a conducting concentration from Belmont University. After teaching elementary music in the Nashville area, Skiles returned to West Virginia, bringing acquired educational practices and cultural experiences to his home school district. His passion for arts education influences the classroom environment, creating a learning atmosphere driven by student engagement and proactive learning.
West Virginia's Teacher of the Year program has recognized outstanding educators since 1964, making it one of the longest-running programs of its kind in the nation. It showcases the significant impact teachers have in West Virginia classrooms. Finalists are honored for their integrity, professionalism, and passion for education, acknowledging them among the best educators in the Mountain State.
WV TOTY Event Partner Sponsorships & Contributions
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. - Free use of a vehicle for one year
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, West Virginia - $5,000
Horace Mann Insurance Solutions - $5,000 to TOY and $500 gift card to TOY finalists
West Virginia Lottery - $500 to TOY and $300 grant to each county TOY
West Virginia Department of Tourism - Weekend stay at a West Virginia state park
Leadership West Virginia - Tuition and lodging for program year
West Virginia Education Association - $1,000 grant
American Federation of Teachers West Virginia - $500
West Virginia Professional Educators - $250 gift card and teacher supply gift box
Kin Ship Goods - Gift basket
Blenko Glass Company - Suncatchers for all county TOY winners
To learn more about the WVDE TOY Program, visit the WVDE website.
Congratulations, Mr. Skiles! We are so proud of you!