For Courtney Powers, education is more than a career; it's a calling shaped by faith, family, and a genuine love for her students. Living in Milton,  right next door to her parents, Rebecca and Jay, and her sister, Brooke, Courtney has built a life rooted in community and connection. As a math teacher at Cabell Midland High School, she brings that same sense of belonging and purpose into every classroom she enters.

Courtney’s academic path began at Cabell Midland, where she graduated in the top 10 of her class in 2016. She then earned her undergraduate degree early from Marshall University in 2019. Never one to stop learning, she pursued her master’s degree online at West Virginia State University, completing it in 2024. Now in her seventh year of teaching, she is more passionate than ever about her work.

Courtney chose teaching for reasons that run deeper than a love of math. “I’m good at math and enjoy doing it,” she shared. “I feel like I can explain math well to others so that it makes sense to them. I hate that the majority of the population does not like math or feel confident doing it. I wanted to give students a positive experience with math and help them build their mathematical confidence.”

Her faith also plays a central role in her purpose. “I’m a follower of Jesus and became a teacher to show students that they are loved and supported by me but also by their Creator and Savior,” she said.

When asked what she loves most about the classroom, Courtney didn’t hesitate. “The students,” she said. “I love teaching high school, especially because the students are almost adults and can have more serious and influential conversations. I love joking with them, showing up to their extracurriculars, and getting to know them as people outside of the classroom environment.”

“Something I really love about our school is the number of opportunities students have to excel at something they’re passionate about,” she explained. From advanced placement courses and engineering programs to art, theater, music, health sciences, clubs, and competition teams—she believes there truly is something for everyone.

Courtney also offers advice for those considering a career in education. “Be humble and don’t consider yourself an expert,” she said. “There is so much to learn once you’re in the classroom. Use your time wisely, learn how to plan on the fly, and find a group of people who encourage you and have your back.  Look at every child as an opportunity to show love.”

Outside of teaching, Courtney hosts a weekly Bible study for high school girls, photographs school sports teams and seniors, and loves reading and sewing.

“I love West Virginia so much,” Courtney said. “The people are hospitable, the landscape is gorgeous, and God is surely at work. Life here is the perfect mix of upbeat and modern, yet slow and quiet. I would never want to live anywhere else.”