West Virginia: Letters to Future Educators

West Virginia’s Milken Educators have taken on the “Activating Milken Educators” (AME) challenge with enthusiasm, teaming up with the West Virginia Department of Education to tackle the state’s teacher shortage. Brian Allman (WV ’19) detailed the group’s efforts in “Milken Educators Work Together to Make a Difference in West Virginia” last summer.

This year, in April 2023, West Virginia Milken Educators convened in Charleston with Governor Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice, state department leaders, and 40 students in the TeachWV Grow Your Own Pathway to Teaching, a statewide pilot program that supports high schoolers interested in pursuing careers in education. The Milken Educators shared their experiences in the profession and advice on career paths with the aspiring teachers. “Nurturing and inspiring new teachers is central to our vision, and West Virginia is a true representation of that vision and purpose,” notes Stephanie Bishop (VA ’01), vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, who helps lead Milken Educators’ state-level AME efforts and joined West Virginia’s Milken Educators for their meeting in Charleston.

What follows are the beautiful, inspirational West Virginia Milken Educators wrote to the Grow Your Own students, which were collected in a booklet and handed out at the April gathering. Click “Next” or “Single Page View” (above or below) to keep reading, and please share this priceless guidance with the aspiring educators in your own life.

Milken Educators gather at the 2023 West Virginia Milken Educator Forum. Front row, from left: Beverly Hoffmaster (WV ’92); Michelle Wolfe (WV ’21); Tootie Black (WV ’08); Jennifer Reaves (WV ’18); Susan Barrett (WV ’98); Dr. Ernie Adkins (WV ’14); Dr. Erika Klose (WV ’17); and Stephanie Bishop (VA ’01), vice president of the Milken Educator Awards. Back row, from left: Dr. Kimberly S. Miller (WV ’02); Wayne Yonkelowitz (WV ’99); Heather Haught (WV ’21); Andrea Trio (WV ’22); Kelli Stanley (WV ’06); Brian Allman (WV ’19); Whitney Stead (WV ’12); and Dr. Vaughn G. Rhudy (WV ’03).