Feb 24, 2025EducationArticle

Strengthening West Virginia’s Education System: Wing 2 Wing Partners With Teach For America Appalachia

A teacher stands smiling and reading from a book in the front of a classroom.

One of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation’s core beliefs is that every student deserves the opportunity to access a high-quality education. That’s why we’re proud to support Teach For America Appalachia with a $25,000 investment to help expand their efforts throughout West Virginia schools. This commitment will aid in teacher recruitment, training, and classroom support in underserved communities across the state.

An Instrumental Program

West Virginia’s education system faces significant challenges, but by working with Teach For America Appalachia, our aim is to address these gaps and empower educators to create lasting change in students’ lives.

Teach For America Appalachia has been instrumental in bringing passionate, highly trained educators into schools that need them most. With this investment, Wing 2 Wing is helping Teach For America Appalachia to:

  • Recruit and train teachers to serve in high-need schools across Roane County, with the potential for expansion in the future.
  • Provide essential resources to support educators and enhance student learning experiences.
  • Address financial barriers by offering stipends and scholarships to aspiring teachers, making the profession more accessible.

“West Virginia’s students and educators deserve every opportunity to succeed,” said Alys and Brad D. Smith, co-founders of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation. “Teach For America shares our deep commitment to ensuring access to an excellent education for all. We’re proud to support an organization that is working to create meaningful, lasting change.”

Since its launch in 2011, Teach For America Appalachia has trained over 220 teachers and developed a network of 320 alumni leaders dedicated to improving education in the region. With continued support, the organization can broaden its reach and impact to even more classrooms across the state.

“For too long, West Virginia has navigated significant barriers in education which have contributed to teacher shortages,” said Rosie Ballinger, Interim Executive Director of Teach For America Appalachia. “Wing 2 Wing Foundation’s mission-aligned investment allows us to expand our efforts and provide the resources and support that teachers and students in our communities need to thrive.”

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations. By partnering with Teach For America Appalachia, Wing 2 Wing is furthering its ongoing mission to build a brighter future for West Virginia’s students.