Veteran teacher Heidi Hohman has helped children of Ohio County Schools for more than a quarter century, and she sees the need for quality public education every day that she’s in the classroom.
Hohman is entering her 13th year as a fourth-grade teacher at Steenrod Elementary School. She previously served for 14 years as a Science and Literacy teacher at Triadelphia Middle School. Hohman is a well-respected educator with impeccable credentials.
Hohman became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2010, and that certification was renewed in 2019. She earned her Master’s Degree in Reading from West Virginia University in 2003 after earning her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from West Liberty State College in 1988. She is a proud 1984 graduate of Wheeling Park High School.
“I felt so prepared when I went to West Liberty, and that was because of the education I received at Wheeling Park High School,” Hohman said. “Other than my parents, my teachers were the people who influenced me the most. It was my hope to come back here, work in this community and provide a foundation for other children. I appreciated my education in Ohio County Schools. I couldn’t have asked for a finer education.”
Hohman and Alison Craig, who is also a Steenrod fourth grade teacher, have taught their students about the importance of helping others. Hohman, Craig and their students have worked with the Salvation Army on projects to benefit children in need.
During the 2021-2022 school year, Steenrod Principal Michelle Dietrich challenged all classrooms to participate in the “Compassion Project.” The project was created to let students know that there are those in need in the community, and there are ways in which the students can help others. The school and its students earned recognition for the “Compassion Project” and their efforts to help the homeless.
“The students learn the joy of giving, and they care so much,” Hohman said. “They think of ways to help, and they do it. They may not know the people they are helping, but they become attached to the idea of making a difference in their community. They are becoming aware that, by working together, they can bring about positive change.”
Hohman said she became a teacher because she loves to learn. She believes teaching is a privilege because it allows her to build relationships with students and their families. These connections help create an environment that allows learning to flourish. Hohman said public education is essential, and Ohio County Schools is an exceptional place to be a teacher.
“I credit my longevity in the classroom to the opportunities I have had to learn new techniques and to work with tremendous colleagues over the years,” Hohman said.
“Teaching is such a wonderful thing. You provide a spark within someone, and it can make an important impact in a student’s life. We want to reach children and help them grow. Teachers are good community members. The most important thing is that public education is all inclusive, and it meets the needs of children. That is what makes it so tremendous. Teachers do so much to accommodate and be accepting. We love all of our students.”
