BETHANY, W.Va. (August 13, 2026) — Bethany College alumna Stefanie Cirilli ’08 has been named one of the West Virginia Department of Education’s Top Five Teachers of the Year, recognizing her outstanding commitment to student learning, instructional excellence, and educational leadership. The honor follows her recent selection as Ohio County Schools Teacher of the Year for the 2025–2026 school year and the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2026. 
Currently serving as the Title I reading specialist at Elm Grove Elementary School in Wheeling, W.Va., Cirilli has dedicated nearly two decades to public education, inspiring students while supporting fellow educators through professional development and instructional leadership.
A first-generation college student, Cirilli said attending Bethany was a lifelong dream made possible through scholarships and grants.
“Bethany College means so much to me,” Cirilli said. “It was a dream come true to attend my dream school. My time at Bethany was filled with personal growth, new experiences, and inspiration. My professors brought learning to life and instilled a passion for teaching that I carry with me every day. I owe so much of my success to the exemplary education I received at Bethany.”
As a student, Cirilli embraced every opportunity to become involved on campus. She was a four-year member of the Bethany Choir, served as a student ambassador and tour guide, co-president of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Club, vice president of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, and participated in numerous student organizations dedicated to education, leadership, and service.
One of the most defining moments of Cirilli’s Bethany experience came during her sophomore year when she lost her father after a lengthy illness.
“I will never forget how the Bethany community showed up for me during one of the most difficult times in my life,” Cirilli said. “I felt so supported and cared for. That compassion and sense of community are something I’ve carried with me throughout my career.”
Cirilli credits several Bethany faculty members with helping shape the educator she is today, including Dr. David Rudari, Dr. Chris Sampson, Dr. Keely Baronak, Dr. Shelby Haines, and Janice Shepherd.
After graduating from Bethany, Cirilli began her career teaching special education for students with autism in Hedgesville, W.Va. She later returned to the Northern Panhandle, where she taught multi-categorical special education at Elm Grove Elementary School before becoming the school’s Title I reading specialist. She also serves as an adjunct instructor in Wheeling University’s Department of Education and recently completed coursework in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS).
Despite her professional accomplishments, Cirilli remains closely connected to Bethany College. A member of the 1933 Society, she has returned to campus to perform with the Bethany Choir during Tenebrae, The Seven Last Words of Christ, and the 2026 Baccalaureate service.
“Being back on campus always feels like coming home,” Cirilli said. “Bethany gave me opportunities I never imagined possible, helped me discover my purpose, and prepared me for a career that I truly love. I will always be grateful for the people who believed in me and invested in my success.”
Cirilli’s selection among West Virginia’s Top Five Teachers of the Year reflects not only her impact in the classroom, but also the lasting influence of a Bethany education dedicated to leadership, service, and lifelong learning.
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