Holly Plunkett has been teaching mathematics at University High School in Morgantown, WV, for 22 years. A teacher for 31 years, Ms. Plunkett holds certification in seventh- through twelfth-grade mathematics and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She teaches honors geometry and AP calculus and serves as the technology coordinator for the school.
Ms. Plunkett is considered an excellent teacher for many reasons, such as her collaboration iwith AP physics courses. Her enthusiasm has been described as infinite. Her effectiveness is also praised: her classes routinely have a passing rate above 90 percent. In the past year, her calculus class earned a notable 20 percent of the AP exam’s highest scores (5’s) in the State of West Virginia while representing fewer than five percent of the actual test candidates. Many of Ms. Plunkett’s students return from college to report how thoroughly prepared they were for upper-level mathematics courses, and their professors share this opinion. One student credited her with his success in winning numerous awards and his ability to tutor others.
Colleagues praise her participation in and contributions to staff development at the school, county, and State levels. She has been part of the county technology training group from its conception and is recognized for her expertise. She is frequently asked to participate in State-level projects related to content standards.
Ms. Plunkett has participated in professional development activities through the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics for 15 years and is a longtime member of the Mathematics Leadership Team for Monongalia County. She has a B.S. in mathematics from Muhlenberg College and an M.S. in mathematics from the University of Delaware.