Ohio County Schools Teacher of the Year and military veteran Tiffany Barnes carries the U.S. flag during the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine. (File Photo)

WHEELING — Wheeling Middle School teacher Tiffany Barnes — a military veteran who served two tours in Iraq — was selected Ohio County Schools Teacher of the Year back in the spring. Now she is among five finalists for West Virginia Teacher of the Year to be announced this fall.

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) announced the finalists this week – Barnes; Brooke Davis of Buffalo High School in Putnam County; Amber Hibbard of Capon Bridge Middle School in Hampshire County; Renee Powell of Big Elm Elementary School in Harrison County; and Nicole Pratt of East Lynn Elementary School in Wayne County.

Barnes teaches special education at Wheeling Middle School, and was a member of the U.S. Army Military Police during her military career.

She began her career in Ohio County Schools five years ago as a substitute aide and cook before earning her teaching certification.

Barnes earned a bachelor of arts in human development and Family Studies from American Military University and a master of education in reading from West Liberty University.

In addition to her teaching credentials, she is a certified personal trainer and performance enhancement specialist.

Barnes participated in this year’s Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend decked out in camouflage and carrying the American flag.

Most notably, as she ran she wore a backpack adorned with the photos of fallen comrades she knew who were either killed in action or were victims of post-traumatic stress disorder after returning home.

“There is so much to say about Tiffany Barnes. Her story is amazing,” Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim Miller said. “She’s a veteran, having toured in Iraq twice. She’s heavily invested in the community — both locally and her school community at Wheeling Middle — and she’s done so much in our school system.

“She began working as a substitute aide and cook while completing her teaching certification. She is a phenomenal teacher, naturally embodying both empathy and expectations. Personally and professionally, I am so pleased that she is representing Ohio County Schools, and I wish her the utmost success at the state level.”

The winner of the 2026 West Virginia Teacher of the Year award will be announced Sept. 1.