Help showcase on national stage how West Virginia is leading in teacher recruitment

The West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Education Collaborative hope to tout the new Teachers Ascend into West Virginia program on center stage next year at the South by Southwest EDU Conference.

Part of the presentation selection process will be considered through community voting. 

The WVU community is encouraged to cast their votes for the Teachers Ascend session “Outside the Box Incentives for Recruiting Rural Teachers” through Sunday (Aug. 18). 

If selected, Donna Peduto from the WVPEC and Danny Twilley will host a fireside chat about the successes and challenges of such a bold approach to addressing the rural teacher shortage for education leaders and policymakers across the country.  

Amid nationwide teacher shortages, Teachers Ascend incentivizes educators to move to the Mountain State through a robust recruitment package, including a stipend, professional development and curated opportunities to find community, purpose and outdoor adventure. 

SXSW EDU, a part of the SXSW family of events and festivals, was founded in 2011. Each year, top educators from around the world gather in Austin, Texas, for a celebration of innovation in education. 

Presenting at SXSW will increase national and international attention on the Teachers Ascend program, leading to exciting possibilities for expansion.