The first pedagogy training session at the Gaston Caperton State Training Center brought together West Virginia University at Parkersburg education faculty and nearly 20 West Virginia Department of Education career and technical education staff members for a collaborative workshop. Pictured are, back from left: Mary Beth Hunt, Liljon McCormick, Megan McKnight, Amy Yeater, Olivia Nan, Bobbi Marshall, James Coble and Adam Canter. Front from left: Kyle Lancaster, Veronica Barron, Lisa Wilson, Tami Maynard, Ashley Torres, Sarah Wamsley, Lauren Landry and Kari Brown. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s education faculty members are partnering with the West Virginia Department of Education to provide pedagogy training for Career and Technical Education staff in an effort to support teachers across the state.

The initiative began when Adam Canter, WVDE’s director of CTE programs and a WVUP alumnus, reached out to the university for professional development support.

“Through our collaboration with WVU Parkersburg, WVDE is strengthening teacher preparation with training that reflects the latest educational trends, ensuring CTE educators are well-equipped to prepare students for the demands of today’s workforce and the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Canter.

The first session, held this summer on the state Capitol grounds, brought together nearly 20 WVDE CTE staff members for an interactive and collaborative experience. Participants received a “toolbox” of practical strategies, covering topics such as classroom setup, supporting modern learners, effective walkthroughs from an administrator’s perspective and writing SMART goals.

The session emphasized collaboration, hands-on activities and participant feedback to guide future training.

Monthly sessions will continue through May, with upcoming topics including differentiated instruction, classroom management, assessment strategies, and integrating technology in CTE classrooms.

In addition, WVUP is advancing other educator-focused initiatives, such as Youth Mental Health First Aid training.

“Our faculty brought extensive K-12 teaching and administrative experience to this effort, ensuring participants left with actionable tools they can immediately apply in career center classrooms,” said Megan McKnight, WVUP’s director of teacher education. “I am incredibly proud to see our faculty and staff leading this initiative and providing such a high-quality experience for WVDE CTE staff. This partnership exemplifies WVUP’s dedication to excellence in education and its commitment to preparing highly skilled, adaptable teachers who will serve communities throughout the state.”

Officials said the partnership not only strengthens CTE programs across West Virginia but also provides WVUP education students with a model of high-quality pedagogy and professional practice.

“This collaboration is a win for everyone — WVDE staff, West Virginia teachers and most importantly, students,” McKnight added. “It highlights the statewide impact WVUP is making in education and reinforces our mission of serving communities through innovative teaching and training.”

For more information about WVUP’s education programs, visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/professional-studies-division/.