BUCKHANNON — Upshur County Schools recently announced that Christy Dean has been named Teacher of the Year, a testament to her dedication and commitment to education. Dean’s journey as an educator has been both diverse and inspiring, encompassing a wide range of roles and experiences.

Dean began her academic journey at West Virginia Institute of Technology, where she earned undergraduate teaching degrees in secretarial studies and music education. She was required to complete 500 hours of work in the business field to confirm her degree, so Dean took on temporary jobs before landing a full-time position at General Motors Acceptance Corporation in Charleston, West Virginia.

She later transferred to Charleston, South Carolina, and it was there that Dean made the decision to embark on her teaching career, starting as a music educator for preschool and elementary school students. Eventually, family commitments brought her back to West Virginia, where she continued to work with preschool students as a music teacher, assistant director, and director.

Seeking part-time employment, Dean joined Upshur County Schools as a substitute secretary. Once her colleagues discovered her teaching credentials, she was asked to become a substitute teacher. Her teaching experiences include special education and positions at B-U Middle School as a family and consumer sciences teacher. This role prompted her to return to school to obtain her endorsement in Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

Eager to make use of her other degree, Dean transitioned to B-U High School as a business teacher. Her dedication to education has spanned 29 years, touching the lives of children from ages two through high school. Moreover, she has worked for nine years in a business setting, where she often provided training to her co-workers.

Christy Dean’s unwavering commitment to education has left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues. As Upshur County’s Teacher of the Year, she serves as a shining example of excellence in education.