POCA, WV (WOWK) – Rock Branch Elementary Music Teacher Seth Skiles is one of five teachers in the Mountain State to be nominated for the West Virginia Teacher of the Year award.

Skiles has been teaching at Rock Branch Elementary in Poca for the past five years. He also founded and leads their choir program.

Skiles doesn’t teach his classes through textbooks, he teaches through experiences. He brings high energy and a passion to his classroom that’s not easily matched.

“I work hard to provide my kids experiences in and out of my classroom that they may never forget, that they’ve never had before, and they may never have again,” said Skiles.

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Whether it’s dancing in the classroom or taking his choir on field trips to perform across the state or to see musicals, Skiles has the ability to bring even the most reserved kids out of their shell.

Rock Branch Elementary parent Amanda Gollihue said she’s seen a complete personality shift in her daughter since she’s been in Skiles class.

“Since Mr. Skiles has been a presence in my daughter’s life, I have seen a complete transformation of spirit, of confidence, of personality,” said Gollihue.

Skiles said he was surprised when he first heard he’d been nominated for the Teacher of the Year award.

“I’m very honored and shocked that I would be considered a state contender for State Teacher of the Year being a music teacher! It gave me hope that what I teach is valued in West Virginia,” said Skiles.

Skiles went on to say that whether he wins or loses the award, he’s proud to represent the arts on a higher stage.

The 2025 West Virginia Teacher of the Year award will be presented on Sept. 10 at the Cultural Center in Charleston.

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