It’s #PublicSchoolsWeek, and this dynamic father-daughter duo is #ALLIN for #publicschools and #ohiocountyschools!
Mr. Andy Garber, current president of the Ohio County Board of Education has spent nearly the last five decades involved in public education in some capacity.
He began his career as a 5th grade Social Studies teacher in Honduras! “In 1975, when I graduated from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, there were few teaching jobs available right out of college. Of the hundreds of elementary education majors that graduated with me at Edinboro I knew of only one that got a teaching job. I got lucky, because in September of 1975 my student teacher supervisor liked me and recommended me for an interview for the opening at the American School,” states Garber.
He returned to the states a year later and began teaching 6th grade in Upshur County, WV. Shortly after, Garber entered the Ohio County School System first at Woodsdale Elementary School, then at Warwood School. Garber earned two Master of Arts degrees, one in elementary education, and the other in administration, and in 1997, he entered the administrative field. Garber worked as the principal at both Wheeling Middle School and Warwood Elementary before retiring in 2013.
Retirement didn’t slow Garber down! Following 2013, he worked as student teacher mentor at West Liberty University and until being elected to the BOE in 2022, as a substitute administrator for Ohio County. Of his 49 years in education, 47 have been with Ohio County Schools!
Garber has always maintained a student first approach, “My first responsibility was to learn more about them – both academically and more importantly personally. That’s what I tried to model- make learning fun. Do activities with movement, songs or art. Make things interesting. Do things uniquely. Use my humor. Challenge them to think and solve problems. Tell true stories to inspire and stories with a moral. Let the students know I care about them as human beings as well as students. I could do all these things in the public schools and needed to.”
Garber credits the community for much of the success of Ohio County Schools. “I have represented Ohio County at statewide meetings and interacted with teachers and principals from all over the state. I have heard their stories, and I can honestly say that NO ONE can match the quality of education, progressive and innovative leadership that Ohio County Schools has. Our community is vested in quality schools by continually renewing our excess levy. They have passed bonds to improve the physical conditions of our schools, athletic fields and playgrounds. I have interacted with teachers and administrators from every Ohio County school and our educational team is professional, hardworking and strives for success for our students.”
Garber has shared his love for Ohio County Schools with his daughter, 1st Grade Woodsdale Elementary teacher, Amy Garber!
Amy has been teaching in Ohio County Schools for 13 years. Garber attended public schools K-12, first at Bethlehem Elementary School, then Wheeling Middle School, and finally, Wheeling Park High School. Garber credits having wonderful teachers with influencing her own classroom: “I had amazing teachers that helped me become the teacher I aspired to be. I always felt loved in school by my teachers. I knew I was safe and I could always go to them freely with any questions or concerns I had. I knew that was the teacher I wanted to be, an accepting and loving one.”
Garber feels called to work in the public school system, particularly in Ohio County! “I knew when I graduated from WVU, I wanted to come back to Wheeling to teach. I was so lucky to get that opportunity. Having my dad as my mentor made that transition even easier. 13 years later, and I still call him for advice. Public school for me is all about the kids. The kids are what make it such a positive experience. I walk into my classroom every morning and can’t wait for the adventures to begin. The diversity in public schools and OCS is also what makes my ability to love and accept these students so easy to do.”
A former OCS co-worker, Susan Brossman, shared meaningful advice that continues to inspire Garber: “Learn to love them, then you can teach them.” Garber adds, “My favorite part of the day is our Morning Meetings, which is a great resource we’ve gotten through our Community in Schools grant. We talk in my room. There will never be a morning in my room, we don’t sit down and talk…You learn so much about these kids when you connect with them. And it allows for us to have so many teachable moments. Once my kids know I’m in their corner, the learning just flows. And fun experiences happen. Their diverse needs make my job and being in public education worth everything.”
Like her father, Garber recognizes the community effort that flows into Ohio County Schools. “I’m proud that there are so many past OCS students that come together in helping OCS be the best, whether that is with teaching, coaching, philanthropy, partners in education, social work, PTO, volunteering and even just sending their kids to OCS. Everyone still carries that love. And they want to spread it. That to me is special.”
Thank you Andy and Amy for being #publicschoolproud!
Is your family #ALLIN for #publicschools? Email kbutyn@k12.wv.us a family photo for an opportunity to appear on our OCS Story.