Department of Geography

West Virginia Geographic Alliance

Co-Coordinators

Joseph Manzo, Concord University

Regina Scotchie, West Virginia Department of Education

The West Virginia Geographic Alliance began at Concord University in 1992.  Concord University’s opportunity was arranged by former Concord President, Dr. Jerry Beasley.  The West Virginia Geographic Alliance is part of a national network established by Mr. Gil Grosvenor, Chairman of the Board of the National Geography Society.  It core objective is to promote better teaching of geography. Geography, as you know, contributes to understanding of our place in a global network of culture, economic and environmental issues.  The WV Geographic Alliance was named several years as the #1 in-service provider in the state.  West Virginia teachers, recognizing the academic substance inherent in geography as a discipline have made it a success.

K-12 Geography in West Virginia

* Geography is a mandated 7th grade course.

* Geography strands appear in K-12 grades.

* The number of Advanced Placement Human Geography teachers in West Virginia is increasing rapidly.

Graduate classes are available for Spring, 2010.

The Alliance will cover tuition, fees, and the cost of materials for teachers.

* Advanced Cultural Geography: Mondays, 7:00 - 9:30 PM, Athens

Click here for Steering Committee contact information

Click here for contact information for affiliated university faculty.

Achievements:

Congratulations to Debbie Gallaher! Ms. Gallaher, who teaches at Shady Spring High School, was awarded a National Council for Geographic Education Distinguished Teaching Achievement K-12 Award at the NCGE's 2008 meeting.

Three Shady Spring High School students were winners in the recent state level We the People Competition in Charleston.

Teacher study abroad opportunities (The Alliance was awarded a Group Projects Abroad grant for a 5 week experience in Thailand, 12 teachers.  Twelve WV teachers have participated in a three week experience in London.)                                                           

The WV Geographic Alliance has co-sponsored five Advanced Placement in Geography workshops, two at WVU and three at Concord. 

Advanced Placement Human Geography will be offered at Shady Spring High School beginning in 2009-10.

The WV Geographic Alliance has received support from university faculty across the state.

 Opportunities and Events 

Photos from Shirley Lundell's classes at Hodgesville Elementary School

2nd Graders naming continents

Cans of food

Food, clothes, and travelers

Mine was made in the Phillippines

See our country

Where 1st graders' food came from

Where 1st graders' clothes came from

Links

Picture Gallery
National Geographic: Xpeditions

Last Updated: 12/15/09 GT