Laura Presley Named 2027 West Virginia Teacher of the Year
The Mercer County educator and Princeton Senior High School alumna earned the state's top teaching honor this fall.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Secondary Education
In September 2026, Laura Presley, a longtime English teacher in Mercer County, was named the 2027 West Virginia Teacher of the Year. This recognition highlights her nearly two decades of service in local classrooms.
Why it matters
This award recognizes the essential role of veteran educators in shaping the academic experiences of students across the state. It celebrates a career trajectory that began with a local education and has spanned 19 years of classroom instruction.
Laura Presley has accumulated 19 years of total teaching experience. She has dedicated 16 of those years to instructing students at Princeton Senior High School.
The players
Laura Presley
An English teacher at Princeton Senior High School with 19 years of classroom experience and a long-standing commitment to local secondary education.
Princeton Senior High School
A secondary school in Mercer County that serves as the site of Presley's teaching career and her own alma mater.
The details
Presley, who graduated from Princeton Senior High School herself, has spent the majority of her professional life teaching at the same institution. Her formative experiences included participation in 4-H programs, which she has carried into her career as a high school English educator.
Timeline
September 2026: Laura Presley was named the 2027 West Virginia Teacher of the Year.
The Home Front
This award follows the annual cycle established by the National Teacher of the Year Program to honor professional excellence in secondary education. The selection reflects a broader statewide trend of recognizing veteran educators who remain deeply rooted in their own local school districts.
Families in Mercer County may want to check their local school district calendars for potential community celebrations honoring this achievement. Maintaining regular communication with school faculty, including award-winning teachers, helps parents better support their students' progress.
The takeaway
The recognition of veteran educators like Presley underscores the impact of long-term community presence on student success. Parents should engage with their local school newsletters to stay informed about staff achievements and district news.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's academic landscape in our Secondary Education section.
