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By SHELLEY HANSON
MOUNDSVILLE -- Heather Haught, 36, became a teacher to make a difference in children's lives -- and she continues to do just that in her first grade classroom at McNinch Primary School.
Haught, who has worked as a teacher for 13 years in Marshall County, was recognized for her work last year with the Milken Educator Award.
The Milken Award includes an all-expenses-paid trip to an educators forum in Los Angeles, as well as a cash prize of $25,000.
Haught said there are six first-grade classrooms so the teachers collaborate a lot with each other. Class begins at 7:30 a.m. Haught said she tries to keep a fairly normal routine for the students each day as children that young thrive on routine.
"We keep a normal structure throughout the day and sprinkle in fun activities and extras," she said.
Haught said she has 16 children in her class this year. She said having between 16 and 20 students is a great class size for her and the students to learn in.
Haught said her philosophy or motto is to find positivity in each day. Doing so keeps her moving forward, especially on days when something is weighing on her mind.
Haught grew up in the Ohio Valley and attended Our Lady of Peace School and Wheeling Central Catholic High School.
After graduating from West Virginia University she came back to the Ohio Valley and got her first teaching job at McNinch and has been there since.
"There's something special about first grade. A lot is happening and the children grow so much," she said. "My next career move would be to step into administration when the time is right, but I'm very happy in first grade."
Haught believes a bright spot in the valley is that it has young professionals who are trying to make it grow, though some still are moving out of the region.
"The valley is trying to grow. We have a lot of growth happening in the area. ... It's a nice place to raise a family. It's close to large cities, which is helpful for us. There's a lot to do in those areas that are close to us. We have that small town feel here in the valley. People are trying to build up the area and make it more appealing to young professionals. It's a nice place to settle down and raise a family," she said.
For new teachers, Haught advises them to not only invest time in their classroom, but themselves as well.
"Step back and take time for yourself," she said. "Learn from your mistakes. Find a good mentor that you can get ideas off of.
"When you are having a hard day and feel defeated, remember why you came into the profession -- to make a difference in a child's life. It's a rewarding profession."
Haught said one lesson she has learned in life is when things get hard to not give up, to push through. She said doing so helped her in college, and she has applied this same lesson to her life today. It has helped her figure out how to better balance her work and home life.
"Keep going and it will work out. Keep pushing," she said.
Regarding the future of education, Haught said teachers are always adapting to new mandates and new requirements. They must also remember to make it fit into what they need to do to make sure their students learn.
Haught said personally she is most proud of her family. She and her husband of seven years, Adam, reside in Wheeling with their three children Nora, 5; Evelyn, 3; and Colin, 2.
"My husband and kids are a very big part of my life. I'm thankful and happy with the life we're building together and with the kids, watching them grow," she said.
Professionally, Haught said she feels fortunate to work in a school system that has teachers and administrators who are supportive of each other. She is also thankful that the administrators have confidence in her and have asked her to take on leadership roles.
Receiving accolades, such as the recent Milken Award, also makes her proud.
"Even being named teacher of the year within a school and county; it means your colleagues see the value of what you're doing," she added.
Haught said McNinch is "a wonderful place to work."
"I don't mind getting up and coming to work. We have a good staff and we support each other. When times get difficult you need that extra cheerleader, someone who is here for you. The administration is supportive. I'm thankful to be working in Marshall County schools. It's a thriving, growing school system."