By Shirley Shuman
Nicki Harper, fourth grade teacher at Litle Birch Elementary School, has been named as one of three semifinalists for the 2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Reacting to being selected, Harper said, “I feel very honored. I’m pleased that others feel that I deserve the selection. I feel humbled that they see the value of what I do in this small school.”
The PAEMST awards are the highest honors given to k-12 STEM teachers. Selections are based on “teachers’ distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science engineering, technology, and math education.” Harper has discovered that elementary school education definitely allows the instructor to include cross-curricular activities. She noted, “I like doing cross-curricular which in elementary can become very invested in improving education.”
Little Birch Principal Jessica Friend referred to Harper’s success in achieving semifinalist status for this award. “This recognition highlights her exceptional dedication to fostering a love for science in our students and her innovative teaching methods. Ms. Harper’s commitment to excellence not only inspires her students but also elevates our entire school community. I am beyond proud of her,” she said.
A graduate of Braxton County High School, Harper did her undergraduate work at Glenville State University. . She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and earned a Master of Arts degree in Science Education from Western Governor’s University. Harper began her teaching career in upper-level science at Braxton County High School. After two years there, she taught at Gilmer County High School. Wanting to return to Braxton, she applied for a position at Little Brich Elementary. The Braxton County native and resident of the Little Brich area has been teaching at Little Birch for eight years, and she thoroughly enjoys the experience.
Harper is a member of the Little Brich Elementary leadership team and is currently president of the LBE faculty senate. She is also active in the school’s LSIC and PTO. In 2022 Harper was named Braxton County Teacher of the Year. Also active as a member of the WV Science Teachers’ Association, she worked with other state elementary teachers for a presentation at the 2023 state conference. Harper will be recognized by the state selection committee at the organi-zation’s annual conference at Jackson’s Mill October 25.