By Shirley Shuman
At the recent annual meeting of the WV Academy of Science held at Glenville State University, Braxton County High teacher Dr. Ethan Backus was named the academy’s Teacher of the Year for his “dedication and service” to students in the area of science. Dr. Sara Sawyer of GSU’s science department presented the award to Backus.
Backus is in his fourth year of teaching the higher sciences and math at BCHS. He currently teaches Advanced Placement Physics, Advanced Placement Pre-Calculus, and Advanced Placement Calculus along with other science classes. He also teaches various pre-engineering classes.
A graduate of Braxton County High, Backus earned his Bachelor of Science. from Marshall University and his Master of Science and PHD—both in geosciences from Texas Tech University. He has also received training in various engineering concepts through online classes.
Braxton County High principal Lori Stover-Williams commented on Backus’ award. “Ethan is the kind of teacher that every student needs to have,” she said. “He sets an expectation and helps them reach it and then excel beyond that. He is effective, efficient, and, in my opinion, brilliant not to mention he teaches a full load of science and math classes along with pre-engineering. He has taken more trainings this year that I throw at him and still asks for more. He has also bridged great partnerships with surrounding colleges,” she added.
The West Virginia Academy of Science began in 1924 at West Virginia University. The purpose of the society was and still is to “bring about a closer affiliation among scientists in the state and to organize as a group to national recognition, as stated by Dr. G.R. Bancroft, then president of the University Scientific Society.