The EdVenture Group is proud to celebrate the successful completion of the 2025 ELEVATE CTE Cohort, comprised of a dedicated group of educators from across West Virginia who committed their time, energy, and creativity to elevate career and technical education (CTE) in their schools and communities.
ELEVATE CTE is a virtual community of practice designed to foster innovation in career exploration, career readiness, and CTE for West Virginia students. This year’s effort engaged educators from various CTE pathways and middle school career exploration programs to brainstorm, collaborate, and co-create real-world learning resources that support student success across the state.
Over the course of the program, these educators explored strategies to enhance student engagement, foster innovation, and build sustainable, real-world learning experiences. From reimagining classroom practices to developing student-driven projects, the impact of their work will extend far beyond their own schools, enriching the future trajectories of WV students and strengthening communities across the state.
The program provided more than professional development, it served as a collaborative, impactful experience for educators.
“I’ve come away from it feeling more inspired and equipped than ever before! This course didn’t just check a box, it genuinely challenged me to think about my program differently and gave me the tools to elevate it in ways that will directly benefit my students and community. I especially appreciated the real-world applicability of everything we discussed.”
We commend each participant for their thoughtful contributions, collaborative spirit, and commitment to innovation. Please join us in congratulating the following educators:
2025 ELEVATE CTE Cohort Graduates
- Annette Kirk – West Side Middle School
- Beth Roberts – Webster County High School
- Brandi Ammons – Morgantown High School
- Cammy Kesterson – Green Bank Elementary Middle School
- Clémentine Bata – Spring Mills High School
- Elizabeth Adams – Wirt County High School
- Gary Cardelein – Wetzel County Technical Center
- Ilyana Owens – Boone Career and Technical Center
- Jeff McComas – Cabell Midland High School
- Julia Yearego – Lincoln High School
- Kristen McKain – University High School
- Kyle Sandy – Mid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute
- Lauren Adkins – Academy of Careers and Technology
- Lee Wright – Tygarts Valley Middle High School
- Miranda Martin – Milton Middle School
- Paul Eisenhart II – James Rumsey Technical Institute
- Rebecca Erwin – Putnam Career and Technical Center
- Rex Rush – Wetzel County Technical Education Center
- Sambo Teng – Spring Mills High School
- Sophia Ash – Magnolia High School
- Summer Grose – Randolph Technical Center
- Tanya Hayworth – Woodrow Wilson High School
- Tina Viakley – Oak Glen High School
The EdVenture Group proudly recognizes 23 West Virginia educators from 18 counties who successfully completed the 2025 ELEVATE CTE professional learning cohort.
“The educators in this year’s ELEVATE CTE cohort exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and passion. Their willingness to innovate, collaborate, and push beyond traditional teaching models is what makes Career and Technical Education so powerful. It has been an honor to support their journey, and I am excited to see the lasting impact they’ll continue to make in classrooms and communities across West Virginia.”
We are honored to work with these educators and look forward to seeing how they continue to innovate and elevate CTE in their schools and communities. Beth’s work with students on the Highlander Health Sciences Commercial Project is a shining example of the creativity and innovation the ELEVATE CTE program strives to support.
To learn more about ELEVATE CTE or find ways to get involved in future cohorts, contact Kim Zirk at kzirk@edvgroup.org, or visit https://theedventuregroup.org/career-readiness/.
