CHARLESTON, W.Va.—Members of the West Virginia Milken Educator Network met in Charleston during their annual two-day forum. They used this opportunity to mentor high school students interested in becoming teachers. Dozens of TeachWV Grow Your Own Pathway to Teaching students from high schools around the state engaged with some of the industry’s most esteemed professionals.

The West Virginia Milken Educator Network is composed of new and previous Milken Educator Award winners from across the state who provide insight, expertise and advocacy for education issues. Additionally, this network is committed to addressing the critical need for educators in the Mountain State and around the country.

The Milken Educator Award recognizes career education professionals for their impressive achievements in their school communities. Since 1990, there have been 78 recipients in West Virginia. Fifth-grade teacher Janna Hamrick and eighth-grade teacher Ashley Wilkins-Franks were both named Milken award winners in 2023.

“Our network of Milken educators holds an extraordinary amount of wisdom, practical skills and passion for teaching. We are fortunate to have them as a vital resource,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “The network’s commitment to mentor our Grow Your Own students underscores the need to develop a pipeline of certified teachers in our state.”

As a part of the forum, participants also received updates from Vice President of the Milken Family Foundation Stephanie Bishop and collaborated on various education issues. Winners Hamrick and Wilkins-Franks were also pinned and acknowledged at the event.