All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

W.Va. Dept. of Ed announces Ohio County teacher as 2026 Teacher of the Year

Tiffany Barnes, a special education teacher at Wheeling Middle School and two-time Iraq War veteran from Ohio County, was named West Virginia’s 2026 Teacher of the Year by the state Board and Department of Education.

The West Virginia Board of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education announced Tiffany Barnes from Ohio County as the 2026 West Virginia Teacher of the Year during the Celebration of Excellence in Education event at the Culture Center in Charleston on Tuesday evening. WVBE member Debra Sullivan, State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt and other education leaders were present for the announcement.

Barnes is a special education teacher at Wheeling Middle School. She holds a professional teaching certification endorsed in multi-categorical special education (Pre-K–Adult), autism and reading specialist. She earned a bachelor of arts in human development and family studies from American Military University and a master of education in reading from West Liberty University.

As a two-time Iraq War veteran with the U.S. Army Military Police, she brings discipline, leadership and compassion to both her classroom and community. Barnes is the founder and coach of the Girls on the Run Heart and Sole team at Wheeling Middle School and initiated the Wreaths Across America program at two local cemeteries. She established the school’s annual Autism Acceptance 5K race to support special education classrooms throughout Ohio County.

“We are pleased to celebrate Mrs. Barnes and welcome her into the Teacher of the Year tradition. Her journey to teaching has prepared her to bring exceptional insights and incredible compassion to her classroom,” Blatt said. “Beyond the classroom, she understands the world from a global perspective and shares a vision with those around her that will impact the local and extended community. Her skills and expertise make her an influential and effective educator, and we know she will thrive in this new role.”

West Virginia’s Teacher of the Year program is one of the longest-running teacher recognition programs in the nation. Since 1964, the West Virginia Board of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education have named 62 exemplary practitioners who have represented the positive qualities of public education.

Sponsor support of the Teacher of the Year program has elevated it to greater levels of success and effectiveness. The 2026 sponsors include:

  • Toyota West Virginia: Free use of a 2026 vehicle for one year
  • Highmark West Virginia: $5,000
  • Horace Mann: $5,000; $300 DonorsChoose funding gift to TOY finalists
  • West Virginia Lottery: $500 grant to TOY; $300 grant to each county TOY
  • Leadership West Virginia: Tuition and lodging for the 2027 cohort
  • West Virginia Tourism: Two-night stay at a West Virginia state park
  • Education West Virginia: $1,000
  • West Virginia Professional Educators: $250 Amazon gift card and teacher supplies gift box
  • Ivor’s Trunk: $150 gift card
  • Blenko Glass: Commemorative handcrafted coin to all county winners

Barnes’ term as Teacher of the Year begins on Jan. 1, 2026. To learn more about the program, visit the WVDE website.

The 2026 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year was also announced at the Celebration of Excellence in Education event, and more information is available on the WVDE website.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

Subscribe Today ›

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Water Board recommends three-step rate increase to fund new plant

The Buckhannon Water Board recommended a three-step increase that would total a 62% rate hike to fund a new water plant. Officials say staged increases are needed so the city can begin interest payments after securing a $6 million initial round of funding.

Buckhannon Police warn residents about IRS impersonation scam

Buckhannon police warn of a scam where callers posing as IRS agents visit homes to collect back taxes and urge residents to verify IDs, refuse payment demands, and report suspicious activity to police and FTC.

Football Bucs find little success in 62-12 loss to unbeaten Hawks

Buckhannon-Upshur fell to 0-3 after a 62-12 loss to unbeaten University, managing just 117 yards, three first downs and struggling on special teams while yielding 442 yards in the defeat.

Buckhannon Sanitary Board Agenda: September 18, 2025

The Buckhannon Sanitary Board meeting agenda for September 18, 2025, has been posted.

Wesleyan president Dr. James Moore talks about the new physician’s assistant program at Battlers Knob, the former Alderson Broaddus campus.

West Virginia Wesleyan College announced plans to open a physician assistant program at Battlers Knob on the former Alderson Broaddus campus. The program aims to enroll students for the 2027-28 academic year and expand allied health offerings in the region.

Upshur County schools celebrate significant growth in student achievement

Upshur County Schools reported math achievement rising from 41.7% to 49.67% and ELA from 46.2% to 53.36% between 2022 and 2025, crediting instructional changes, data-driven practices and family engagement.

Scott Oldaker

Scott Oldaker, 61, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, died Sept. 10, 2025; he is survived by his wife Tammie, children Travis and Mandy, two grandchildren and several siblings, and will be cremated.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 3

In this Week 3 picks column, Duane Carpenter laments society’s growing hatred and violence, marks the 24th anniversary of 9/11, lists standings and game picks, and names Kevin Patterson last week’s contest winner.
BUHS Boys Soccer Feature Image

Smith has hat trick as soccer Bucs gain 10-1 road victory over winless Cougars

Buckhannon-Upshur routed winless Lincoln 10-1 on the road, with Coby Smith scoring a hat trick, Hayden Feather adding two goals and seven different Bucs contributing in a dominant offensive performance.