CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- The annual recognition dinner to honor the Jefferson County Schools Teacher of the Year and Service Person of the Year was held at the Charles Town Moose on Wednesday, April 27.
Charity Marstiller, a Jefferson High School Vo-Ag teacher was named Teacher of the Year for 2022, and Wendy Dodson, a Secretary III for the JCS Social and Emotional Support Department at the Central Office, was named Service Person of the Year for 2022.
Marstiller is a veteran teacher of 24 years, all of which have been with Jefferson County Schools. In the classroom, she is well-known as a dedicated teacher who is concerned not only with conveying content based on real-life experiences, but also one who finds untapped potential in the students she meets. Her work with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) is recognized throughout the state. Her students have been awarded multiple scholarships, state, and national awards, and have obtained State and American FFA degrees.
Marstiller's other activities include serving on the faculty senates for multiple JCS schools, where she has held several officer positions. Her community service has been outstanding, including her involvement in multiple projects through her church and volunteer work with the Community Combined Ministries, which provides weekend food for students and families in need. In 2016, Marstiller and her husband were instrumental in bringing the Kidz Power Pac program to Jefferson County and, specifically, to Wildwood Middle School. She also spent much time expanding this program to other schools in the county.
Dodson has a multitude of duties and responsibilities at the Central Office. She is the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on matters pertaining to the Social and Emotional and Responsive Education Departments. She works to assist the directors of the department with consistent high-level administrative support, while balancing multiple projects requiring sensitive timelines.
Dodson says her job has been transformed significantly since she was hired nine years ago. She is now responsible for the oversight of all grants for Title I, II, II, IV, American Rescue Plan, Cares Act, and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. She also helps with the English Learner Program and participates in translations/interpretations as necessary or assigning of interpreters/translators to the respective schools. She is fluent in Spanish, and therefore, is often called upon as an interpreter for parents and others in need of assistance.
In addition to her job duties, Dodson has continued her education. She received her Associate of Applied Science degree, completed her National Career Certification Board Administrative Certification and International Association of Administrative Professional’s Certification, and is currently enrolled in a Spanish certification course to be completed at the end of the year.
Dodson’s community service activities include helping with the church food pantry and serving as treasurer for the Jefferson High School Baseball team. Her commitment to the baseball program at Jefferson High School for the past 14-15 years is well-known throughout the county.
In addition to honoring these two outstanding employees, the nominees from 2020 and 2021 were also recognized after the pandemic forced previous recognition events to be canceled. The 2020 Teacher of the Year was Lauren Walls, from C.W. Shipley Elementary School, and the Service Person of the Year was Kelli Myers, from Charles Town Middle School. The 2021 Teacher of the Year was Jennifer Cogle, from Shepherdstown Middle school, and the Service Person of the Year was Heather Pindell, from the Transportation Department.