Jamie Young has been selected as the 2023-2024 Ohio County Schools Teacher of the Year.
Young is serving in her 14 year at Woodsdale Elementary School. She spent her first year as a third-grade teacher, but she has been a first-grade teacher since then. Young said she always wanted to teach young students for very specific reasons.
“I think early education is amazing,” Young said. “They are so excited to learn, and it is my job to make learning exciting and fun. I want school to be a place where they want to be. It sets the tone for their future in education.”
Young loves teaching, and she loves Woodsdale Elementary School. She said she couldn’t imagine teaching at another school. Young is actively involved in student council because she likes to see how her former students have grown since they were in her first-grade classroom.
“The students, teachers and parents at Woodsdale are amazing,” she said. “Everyone is so supportive. They understand the students and their specific needs.”
Young is a 2002 graduate of Wheeling Park High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Liberty University. Her husband, Ryan Young, is a teacher at Wheeling Park High School where he is also the head coach of the Patriot girls basketball team.
Woodsdale Principal Ashlea Minch said she is proud of Young and her recognition is deserved. She said Young is an exceptional teacher and a great colleague. Minch described Young as a leader with a positive attitude, and the school and its staff and its students are glad to have her.
“Her dedication to students is truly inspiring,” Minch said of Young. “Jamie has an amazing ability to connect with each and every one of them, and it shows in the way they speak of her. She make learning fun and exciting, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Ms. Young goes above and beyond to ensure that her students are successful and empowered, and it is clear she is making a lasting impact on their lives.”
Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kimberly Miller served as Woodsdale’s principal from 2012-2016. Miller said it was a pleasure working with Young, and she believes Young is one of the finest educators she’s known.
“I love Jamie Young,” Miller said. “She is an outstanding educator. Jamie is so good at what she does. She is kind and caring and an expert in her field. She is creative and passionate and innovative. She is excited to help students learn. Jamie Young is an asset to Ohio County Schhools, Woodsdale Elementary School and the entire community.”
Young’s daughter, Leah, is a seventh grader at Triadelphia Middle School, and her daughter, Maggie, is a fifth grader at Woodsdale Elementary School. Young said she and her husband love teaching in Ohio County Schools.
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