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By JOSELYN KING
WHEELING -- Chalmer Moffett, assistant principal of Triadelphia Middle School, said he owes his success and choice of vocation to the teachers and administrators who inspired him as he attended Ohio County Schools.
And it hasn't been all that long since he was a student in the classroom. Moffett, 25, is in his first year as a vice principal.
"I am part of the leadership and administration team of Triadelphia Middle School and Ohio County Schools.," he explained. "This is my fourth year with Ohio County Schools in various roles. I have previously been a teacher and coach at Warwood Middle School and Wheeling Park High School."
He said what drew him to the Ohio Valley was "being lucky enough to be born here in Wheeling, West Virginia."
"I suppose a better question for me is what has compelled me to stay here at home. The answer to that one is easy," Moffett said. "When I was growing up, I went through my whole educational journey in Ohio County Schools. I consider myself blessed to be able to say that, because I got to be mentored, taught, and coached by many amazing people in my schools.
"They helped mold me into the person I am today and made the decision to stay in the valley an easy one. By the time I was a senior in high school, there was only one thing I wanted to do and that was to become a teacher."
He sees the educational system as an attribute to Ohio County.
"Obviously, I am biased here, but I believe that a huge bright spot in the valley is in education," Moffett explained. "Just here in Ohio County, there are so many good things that are happening for our kids.
"We have state of the art buildings and sports facilities throughout the whole county. Also, Ohio County Schools offer so many opportunities from types of classes, to the art programs, to sports, and theater it is amazing what these students can get into and achieve."
Both Moffett and Principal Andrew Seals say they start the day by making it a point to personally greet each student when they arrive.
"I think every student should start their day with at least a 'good morning' from someone," Moffett said.
He noted the motto by which he tries to live his professional life is, "Will this decision benefit my students?"
"What I mean by that is, when I am making any decision for my school I ponder that thought," Moffett explained. "When I make this decision, is it going to have a positive impact on my Raiders at Triadelphia Middle? If I can honestly answer that question yes, then I go that route. If I can't answer yes to that question, I sit down and look for a different solution.
"There are many things that go into running a school, but at the end of the day that is our goal. To make our students' lives better."
His advice to anyone entering the workforce is to "not be afraid of failure."
"Apply for everything, whether you think you are going to get it or not," Moffett said. "When you put your best foot forward, you might be surprised at your chances."
He added that ever since becoming the assistant principal the biggest thing he has learned is how valuable communication is.
"Communication is a 21st century skill that is vital for the success of many careers, and I have seen it first hand in my job," he said. "There are so many people that go into running a school from administration, counselors, resource officers, teachers, cooks, custodians, students, parents, community members, etc. The list goes on, and you need to be able to speak and have open lines of communication between them all to have a successful day.
"Education has a long and successful history in the Ohio Valley, and I think we have a bright future ahead of us. There are so many great educators in Ohio County Schools who genuinely care about their students' lives inside and outside of the classroom and will continue to make a difference for years to come."
Moffett is not married, but is in a relationship with girlfriend Jill Robbins, an employee at the Florence Crittenton Center. They have a puppy named Kai.