Her Story
About Dr. Erin
Dr. Erin Sponaugle is an educator, author, illustrator, speaker, consultant, and curriculum professional with experience spanning elementary teaching, art education, virtual instruction, writing instruction, professional learning, educational workshops, online course facilitation, and children's publishing. She currently teaches with Berkeley County Schools WV at Tomahawk Intermediate in Hedgesville and owns Next Chapter Press and Educational Services. Her background includes adjunct lecturing at Shepherd University and online course facilitation with the West Virginia Department of Education, supported by advanced degrees in educational leadership and curriculum, instruction, and assessment. In 2014 she was named West Virginia Teacher of the Year, and she delivered a TEDx talk on the global teacher crisis. She holds a doctorate completed in 2022 in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from her studies following a master's in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University in 2009 and a bachelor's from Shepherd College in 2003, as well as National Board Certification for Middle Childhood Generalist. She is a member of the National Art Education Association, West Virginia Art Educators Association, West Virginia Professional Educators, and National Network of State Teachers of the Year. Dr. Sponaugle advocates for teacher mental health, sustainable teaching practices, and maintaining art education in public schools.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Erin
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would ask them what about education that they are drawn to and what experiences they've had in the classroom so far. I would encourage them to spend as much time as possible in the classroom or through volunteer opportunities to see what it's like to be a teacher all day long. I would also encourage them to find something that they enjoy doing that is not education-related and to not let go of it, because having balance and things outside of teaching helps prevent burnout and makes you a better teacher in the long run.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.