West Virginia Department of Education

?? Today is Substitute Educators Day! ?? We want to celebrate our substitute educators across the state who play a vital role in ensuring education continues in the classroom in the teacher's absence. ?? Thank you to all our substitute educators! ?? #WVEd

This week is National Apprenticeship Week! ?? In celebration, staff from the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and the West Virginia Department of Education presented a Governor's Proclamation to McDowell County Schools in honor of their work with the Grow Your Own WV and Registered Teacher Apprentice programs. ?? #WVEd #TeachWV

Jared Ulrich, the Automotive Technology Instructor at John Marshall High School, has been selected to receive the 2024 Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Career Technical Education (CTE) Teacher Candidate Award from NOCTI, a national leader in CTE credentialing solutions and resources! ?? Reflecting on his work, he shared, “Teaching automotive technology is something truly special to me. It’s about more than just fixing cars. It’s about igniting a passion in young minds and guiding them toward a future filled with possibility. When I stand in front of my students, I strive to share not just knowledge, but the joy of discovery. Watching them develop their skills and confidence is a rewarding experience, like witnessing a new engine roar to life. Seeing my students excel in the automotive field and carving out successful careers for themselves fills me with pride. The world of automotive technology is ever-changing. I cherish the opportunity to explore those innovations alongside my students, encouraging them to embrace the journey ahead with curiosity and determination.” #WVEd #ThisIsCTE #CareerTechWV

In this week's #KeepingConnectED, we highlight the gathering of Common Ground Partnership members for the 2024 compact signing event, reaffirming their commitment to student success in West Virginia. ?????? #WVEd #CommonGround

?? Celebrating School Psychologists! ?? This is Ms. Kathy Roby of Ritchie County Schools on the first day of her 25th year career as a school psychologist and her 35th year in education! ?? Thank you for your service to the students of West Virginia, Ms. Roby! ?? #WVEd #SchoolPsychWeek

?? We Love our School Psychologists! ?? Join us in celebrating the following school psychologists! ? Angel Young, Nicole Little, and Carrie Workman, Lincoln County ? Erlynn Luna, Lewis County ? Ashley Riggleman, Hardy County ? Teresa Robinson, Kanawha County ? Kelli Potoczny and Sir Lancelot, Tyler County Thank you for all you do for your students! ?? #WVEd #SchoolPsychWeek

?? School Psychologist Spotlight! ?? At the time of this photo, Kim Kahle was an intern in Wayne County and Andrea Efaw was an intern in Wirt County through Marshall University's School Psychology Graduate Program. ?? Ms. Kahle has since become a full-time school psychologist and Ms. Efaw is wrapping up her studies. ?? They both presented at the National Association of School Psychologist's National Convention earlier this year. ?? Thank you, both, for your dedication to professional development and the students of Wayne and Wirt counties! ?? #WVEd #SchoolPsychWeek

Thank you for what you do! ?? Join us in thanking Raleigh County School Psychologists Neely Harvey, Belinda Harvey, Lauren Wheeler, Kara Lucado, and Kim Dillard (Intern) for their work with students and their contribution to public education! ?? #WVEd #SchoolPsychWeek

Generals Coffee, a unique initiative at Winfield Middle School led by special education teacher Samantha Twohig, began in 2019 to create hands-on learning opportunities for students. ?? Seeing that her students learned math better through real-world scenarios and needed support with social skills, Mrs. Twohig collaborated with the school principal to launch a coffee shop. Generals Coffee serves as a simulated workplace where students practice essential academic, social, and functional skills by preparing and delivering coffee orders to staff members each week.?? This environment allows students to manage tasks like inventory tracking, order preparation, and money handling—all while building confidence and independence. Each student has a specific role, rotating jobs weekly to ensure skill-building in math, occupational skills, and social interactions. Students even collaborate with the Putnam County Career and Technical Center’s Culinary Class to expand their skills and learn about high school transition options. ?? #WVEd #ThisIsCTE #CareerTechWV

On October 17, 2024, students and instructors from Mingo Central High School’s Therapeutic Services program showcased their innovative dementia alert project at the National Health Science Conference in Glendale, AZ. ?? This project originated from a lesson on healthcare legal and ethical issues and aims to develop solutions for safe transfers between medical facilities. The West Virginia Department of Education’s Career Technical Education (CTE) division awarded the Healthcare Economic Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) grant to support this initiative. ??Through partnerships with the Williamson Health and Wellness Center, the project has grown to foster greater community awareness and improve safety protocols within medical facilities and EMS systems. #WVEd #ThisIsCTE #CareerTechWV