Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) in partnership with the West Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education (WVACTE) presented agricultural educator Emily Dunkle with the West Virginia CTE New Teacher of the Year award during a ceremony at Greenbrier East High School. The honor recognizes the highly accomplished instructor for her exceptional contributions to career technical education (CTE) and her exemplary leadership in maintaining the highest standards of educational programs. The award celebrates the accomplishments of a CTE instructor with less than five years of teaching experience.
Dunkle is a gifted agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Greenbrier East High School who brings an unwavering commitment to instilling a passion for career exploration among her students. She believes agriculture provides students with employment opportunities, fosters entrepreneurship, and cultivates future generations of farmers and agricultural professionals who can contribute to food security and economic growth. Dunkle earned an Associate of Arts in Agriculture from Potomac State College of West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from West Virginia University. Additionally, Dunkle was awarded the 2023 Teacher Turn the Key Award by the National Association of Agriculture Educators.
“As an up-and-coming educator, Mrs. Dunkle already demonstrates the characteristics of an excellent, innovative and inspirational veteran teacher,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “She has a full and storied career ahead where she will inspire generations of students and guide them toward success.”
As a recipient of the West Virginia CTE New Teacher of the Year award, Dunkle is a candidate for the Regional CTE New Teacher of the Year award and could have an opportunity to compete for the national award. Earlier this week, culinary arts instructor Lynette Jones from the Putnam County Career and Technical Center was recognized as the West Virginia CTE Teacher of the Year for educators with five or more years of experience.
CTE prepares students for post-secondary success in West Virginia by pairing concentrated academic lessons with hands-on, real-world experiences. Students enter their careers through initiatives such as Simulated Workplace and apprenticeship opportunities. They can earn industry-recognized credentials that will prepare them to enter the workforce, continue to post-secondary education or enlist in military careers.
For more information about the CTE New Teacher of the Year program and to visit the photo gallery, visit the WVDE website.
Learn more about the WVDE CTE program online.
