Kelly Griffith Named WVPB Education Director

Kelly Griffith, a former teacher with a strong focus on early literacy, has been named Education Director for West Virginia Public Broadcasting effective immediately, said Executive Director Chuck Roberts.

“As a former teacher, Kelly knows what works for children, their parents or guardians and teachers. Education is the cornerstone of our mission, and Kelly will be a great ambassador for West Virginia Public Broadcasting,” Roberts said. “She has a great working relationship with the West Virginia Department of Education and fellow PBS Education Directors, which will help her carry WVPB’s education initiatives forward.”

Griffith, who has served as WVPB’s education specialist for the past year, has a B.A. in Elementary Education Multi-Subject K-6 from West Virginia State University and a Master of Education degree in Literacy PreK to Adult from Marshall University.  She brings to the position 17 years of teaching experience in the classroom with a strong focus on early literacy, and she spent most of her teaching career as a first-grade teacher and Title 1 Reading Specialist.  

“It’s an honor to be named Education Director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting,” Griffith said. “For 17 years, I worked diligently in local classrooms to engage and motivate students in early literacy. While teaching, I learned many lessons myself — the importance of listening, collaborating and cultivating relationships to ensure student success. I look forward to bringing this skill set to the forefront of the Education Department as we network and partner with community members to support our teachers, students and families across the state.”

Griffith also has worked with the West Virginia Department of Education as part of its Instructional Materials Review Committee and is presently working with schools, libraries, and communities across the state to support early literacy.

Former Education Director Kate FitzGerald retired from the position in mid-April.