ELEVATE CTE 2026 Cohort: Celebrating Educators Who Inspire the Future of Career Readiness 
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

The EdVenture Group is proud to celebrate the incredible educators who have successfully completed the 2025 – 2026 ELEVATE CTE Cohort. This dynamic group of educators from across West Virginia came together with a shared commitment to strengthen career readiness, foster innovation, and better prepare students for success in school, careers, and life.  

Throughout the program, participants engaged in meaningful professional learning centered around design thinking, career-connected learning, and real-world skill development. More importantly, they built a collaborative community to share ideas, support one another, and bring new energy back into their classrooms and schools. One participant captured the impact of the experience perfectly:

"I have been burnt out for a few years. This cohort has helped me remember that I love teaching and love CTE."

This powerful reflection highlights what makes ELEVATE CTE so meaningful – not just the strategies and tools, but the renewed sense of purpose and passion it brings to educators.  

2026 ELEVATE CTE Cohort Graduates

We are honored to recognize the following educators for their successful completion of the program: 

  • Amy Wykle – Summers County Comprehensive High School 
  • Ann Kidwell – Hedgesville High School 
  • Belinda Baker – Wetzel County Technical Education Center 
  • Heather White – South Branch Career and Technical Center 
  • Janet Moore – Wetzel County Technical Education Center 
  • Jennifer Vass – Mountain View Middle and Elementary School 
  • Jessica Basham – Trap Hill Middle School 
  • Katrina Riggleman – Randolph Technical Center 
  • Kimberly Cortines – Oak Hill High School 
  • Lisa Arthur – Mountain View Middle and Elementary School 
  • Lucas Moreland – Warm Springs Middle School 
  • Lucy Godwin – Tygarts Valley Middle/High School 
  • Lynette Jones – Putnam Career & Technical Center 
  • Margie Suder – East Fairmont Middle School 
The EdVenture Group recognizes 14 West Virginia educators from 11 counties who successfully completed the 2026 ELEVATE CTE professional learning cohort.

"This cohort represents exactly what’s possible when educators are given the space to collaborate, reflect, and innovate together. The passion, creativity, and commitment these participants have shown to their students and their communities is truly inspiring. We are so proud of the impact they are already making and will continue to make across West Virginia.​"

These educators carry forward new strategies, stronger connections, and a shared commitment to empowering students through career-connected learning. 

The EdVenture Group is grateful for each participant’s dedication and is excited to continue supporting their work as they inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers.  

Congratulations to the 2025 – 2026 ELEVATE CTE Cohort graduates!

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/ 

stay updated:

1253 Canyon Rd. Suite 7, Mailbox 3. Morgantown, WV 26508
304-296-9021

©2022 The EdVenture Group | Privacy and Terms

©2022 The EdVenture Group
Privacy and Terms

Share Your Voice

Students, families, and community partners—your experiences matter. Help us improve CTE opportunities statewide.

Click below to take the survey.