Over 250 West Virginia Educators Celebrate Professional Development Award by Huntington Bank

More Than 250 Educators from West Virginia Awarded by Huntington Bank

Huntington Bank has made a significant stride in educational support by awarding over 250 educators from various counties in West Virginia a year-long professional development experience. This announcement was made during a special event on March 26, 2026, where many educators learned about their selection for the Ignite the Classroom initiative with much excitement.

Entering its third year, Ignite the Classroom aims to elevate educational standards by providing exceptional professional development training designed to enrich classrooms across the state. This initiative exemplifies Huntington's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves and directly supporting those who are pivotal in shaping young minds. Chad Prather, the president of Huntington's West Virginia region, remarked on the vital role that educators play in shaping community futures, expressing pride in Huntington's investment in their professional growth.

Selected educators represent a diverse group of middle school professionals from 12 counties, including Berkeley, Boone, Cabell, and Monongalia, among others. Throughout the school year, these educators will engage as a cohort, gaining valuable insights and support through professional development training that aims to foster innovative teaching methods and learning experiences.

As part of the program, they will participate in a visit to the esteemed Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, which is internationally recognized for its excellence in education. This immersive training experience at the academy is tailored to ignite a passion for learning among students, offering educators fresh perspectives and strategies to implement in their classrooms.

This year marks a notable increase in participation from West Virginia educators, with more than double the number of teachers involved compared to last year, where over 120 educators were engaged. The West Virginia Department of Education played a key role in selecting participating schools this year.

Michele L. Blatt, the West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, expressed appreciation for Huntington's Ignite the Classroom initiative, highlighting its effectiveness in supporting educator growth and enhancing student learning outcomes. She thanked the bank for its dedication to empowering educators, whose passion and commitment are essential to the students' success.

Since its inception in 2024, the program has reached approximately 2,300 educators across 40 school districts, showing Huntington's substantial impact on educational advancement. Participation comes at no cost to educators, thanks to generous contributions from various corporations, foundations, and individuals, including notable supporters such as the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust, WVU Medicine, and numerous local organizations.

For more details about the Ignite the Classroom initiative, interested individuals can visit Huntington Bank’s official website. By investing in the continuous development of educators, Huntington Bank not only enriches the teaching profession but also plants seeds for future generations to thrive academically.

This initiative highlights a growing trend in corporate participation in educational development, demonstrating how organizations can play a pivotal role in strengthening community foundations.