Tiffany Barnes may have said she was “dumbfounded” after she heard her name announced as the West Virginia Teacher of the Year, but with her story, it’s no surprise.

Barnes is an example of what hard work and a love of teaching children can do. An Iraq War veteran, Barnes began her career in Ohio County Schools as a substitute aide and cook. She earned her teaching and autism certifications and now is a full-time special education teacher at Wheeling Middle School.

After her win, she talked about studying through the night for her degrees and certifications, as well as the love she has for helping her students grow.

Barnes is a shining demonstration of the work great teachers put in each day to make their students’ lives better.

“It just seems surreal to go to work and do something I love every day,” she said. “To be rewarded for it is something I wouldn’t have expected.”

That love — love for her students and love for her calling — is exactly why Barnes has been named the Mountain State’s top teacher. Congratulations, “Miss Tiff.” You’ve done Ohio County proud.