Jeff Keller has been a history teacher at John Handley High School in Winchester, Virginia, for 15 years. Keller holds a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education social studies from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and a Master of Arts in history from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where he is a doctoral candidate. He has taught world history and currently teaches advanced placement United States history; Virginia and U.S. history and African American history. Additionally, Keller has sponsored a number of student groups and organizations and currently serves as the sponsor for Handley’s Black Student Union.

At John Handley High School, Keller works diligently to help create a positive school environment for students and teachers as a facilitator of the Student Equity Committee. During his tenure as social studies department chair, Keller has worked to diversify course offerings and bring innovation to teaching practices within the department. He is proud of his advocacy work as a building leader for the Winchester Education Association.

Keller considers his students’ accomplishments to be the greatest testimony to his ability as an educator and is most proud of being a multi-year recipient of Handley High School’s Golden Gavel Award, presented by a student to a teacher who has had a lasting impact on that student. He is also a McMurran Scholar and a recipient of the Educators of African American History and Culture award presented by Josephine School in Berryville, Virginia.