For the past 18 years, Pam Roberts, who has more than 46 years in education, has been a dedicated instructor at Duds & Dough, a unique postsecondary educational program in Wise County Public Schools that supports students aged 18 to 22 as they transition from school to work. Pam’s commitment to her students and community continues to grow stronger each year.
Her 46-year journey in education began at Appalachia High, and during school consolidation, she moved into the Alternative Education program. Since then, Pam has found her calling working with students who need practical, real-world experience — and a champion in their corner.
At Duds and Dough, students gain essential life and job skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. They learn everything from cooking and laundry to professional workplace behaviors like clocking in, calling in for absences, and interacting with the public.
Pam works directly with students to identify career interests and even goes out on job visits with them. One student, for example, is set to start working at Goodwill in Wise, VA, after Christmas — just one of many local placements the program helps coordinate.
Funded by $2,500 in one-year start-up grants 18 years ago, and now supplemented through self-funding efforts, Duds & Dough also offers students incentive pay for stocking shelves and maintaining the shop. The store mimics a thrift store, or re-sell shop, and is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM every school day. Duds & Dough is a community-focused resale store that offers a wide variety of donated/consigned goods — including clothing, furniture, antiques, children’s toys, home décor, and more — all thoughtfully priced for resale. Community members are encouraged to donate items at any time. Community members may also consign goods by appointment.
Pam takes pride in the program’s growing reputation and its contributions to local schools.
“Last year alone, we gave back $5,000 to schools,” she notes. One of the shop’s signature initiatives allows patrons to "Shop for the Students," where proceeds from specific days go directly to a chosen teacher, coach, or classroom.
Duds & Dough isn’t just about clothes and donations — it’s about dignity, preparation, and purpose. And with leaders like Pam Roberts, students don’t just leave with skills — they leave knowing someone believed in them.
Though, after 46 years, Pam doesn’t intend on retiring–at least any time soon. "I love it. These kids are great," Pam says with a smile. Her passion is obvious in everything she does, especially when she spots former students working in the community. "That’s the ultimate purpose — to see them succeed after they leave here."
The Duds & Dough class has been working tirelessly putting out their Christmas goods in preparation for the upcoming holiday season! If you have gently used goods or items you’re ready to give away, consider donating them to Duds & Dough — your contributions go toward a great cause and help support those students in this class!
Donation Contact Information:
Name: Pam Roberts
Email: proberts@wisek12.org
Shopping Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM every school day. Donations are accepted during open hours (consignment by appointment only).
Location: Duds & Dough is located behind the Education Center where monthly school board meetings are held, marked by an orange “Duds & Dough” awning