CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Department of Education has announced the finalists for the 2025 West Virginia Teacher of the Year. These finalists, selected from the state’s county Teacher of the Year winners, exemplify exceptional dedication to student achievement, classroom innovation, and engaging instruction.
Finalists represent school districts statewide and are as follows:
- Krista Blankenship – Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Marion County
- Emily Dunkle – Greenbrier East High School, Greenbrier County
- Bryan Hott – Mill Creek Intermediate School, Berkeley County
- Seth Skiles – Rock Branch Elementary School, Putnam County
- Kim Yahya – Athens Elementary School, Mercer County
Krista Blankenship, a third-grade teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary in Fairmont, has an 18-year career that spans Hampshire, Monongalia, and Marion counties. She earned her degrees from Fairmont State University and Marshall University. Blankenship has secured over $10,500 in project and grant donations for initiatives such as a school-wide high tunnel project and “Trout in the Classroom.” She emphasizes creating a welcoming environment and building strong relationships with students and their families.
Emily Dunkle, an agriculture educator and FFA advisor at Greenbrier East High School in Lewisburg, has five years of teaching experience. Dunkle, a West Virginia University graduate, is known for her hands-on learning approach. She is completing her master’s degree from Murray State University and has received awards such as the 2024 New Career Technical Education Teacher of the Year and the 2023 Teacher Turn the Key Award.
Bryan Hott, a fourth-grade teacher at Mill Creek Intermediate School in Bunker Hill, brings 11 years of teaching experience and multiple degrees from Shepherd University. Hott is actively involved in various committees, including the Covid-19 advisory committee and the instructional planning task force. His accolades include being named the 2020 state Math Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Seth Skiles, an elementary music specialist at Rock Branch Elementary School, earned degrees from Anderson University and Belmont University. Skiles has returned to West Virginia after teaching in Nashville, bringing with him diverse educational practices. He is certified in John Feierabend’s First Steps in Music curriculum and is pursuing National Board Certification. Skiles has participated in professional development courses worldwide, adding cultural breadth to his teaching.
Kim Yahya, a fourth-grade mathematics teacher at Athens Elementary School, has 15 years of experience and holds degrees from Concord University. Yahya’s classroom is known for its engaging environment filled with laughter, singing, and dancing. She is active in numerous roles, including as a reading bee coach and county math trainer.
“Teachers are the seed-sowers and trailblazers within our schools,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “These finalists represent the best of West Virginia, and I am grateful for the work they do.”
