Toyota Honors 2025 WV Teacher of the Year with New Vehicle During School Assembly

Nitro, W.Va. – Toyota West Virginia (Toyota WV) presented 2025 West Virginia Teacher of the Year (TOY) Seth Skiles with the keys to a 2025 Toyota RAV4 today during an assembly at Rock Branch Elementary School. Toyota WV President David Rosier and Deputy State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sonya White honored Skiles for his excellence in the classroom. Skiles will use the vehicle throughout his travels during his one-year term.

Toyota WV is among the longest-supporting partners of the TOY program, providing each TOY with safe and reliable transportation for their tenure since 2001. Additionally, the insurance costs for the vehicle are covered by Horace Mann Insurance. 

"Toyota has long been a company that values innovation, perseverance, and community, all qualities of an excellent teacher. This partnership aligns perfectly with our efforts to uplift the teaching profession by recognizing educators who go above and beyond for their students," said Dr. White. "I am thankful that such a community-focused company understands the importance of public education and provides a means for the Teacher of the Year to spread that message throughout the state." 

“Toyota West Virginia is proud to support Mr. Skiles and teachers across the Mountain State,” said Rosier. “This award highlights the dedication and passion that so many educators bring to not just our classroom, but our communities as well. We wish him the best this year, and we are certain he will be a great representative of our state.”

Skiles is a passionate six-year music educator at Rock Branch Elementary School and a West Virginia native. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Anderson University and obtained a master’s degree in church music with a conducting concentration from Belmont University. After teaching elementary music in the Nashville area, Skiles returned to West Virginia, bringing acquired educational practices and cultural experiences to his home school district. His passion for arts education influences the classroom environment, creating a learning atmosphere that is engaging, welcoming and impactful. 

"I am humbled to be named the 2025 West Virginia Teacher of the Year. To join the ranks of other esteemed educators is an incredible honor," said Skiles. "Representing the profession that I love is, in my opinion, the best part of this award. I look forward to recognizing and encouraging other incredible educators across the state this year."

Learn more about the TOY program by visiting the WVDE website.

View photos from the event in the WVDE Flickr album.