Nationally renowned celebrity scientist and West Virginia native Emily Calandrelli conducts experiments for students from Daniels Elementary School (Raleigh County). The visit was a part of the West Virginia Department of Education’s Career Technical Education Administrators Fall Conference at the Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels.
GLADE SPRINGS, W.Va. – West Virginia native and nationally renowned science celebrity Emily Calandrelli captivated local students with engaging experiments today. The visit was part of the West Virginia Department of Education’s (WVDE) career technical education (CTE) Wild & Wonderful CTE Fall Administrators Conference. The WVDE is hosting the three-day conference at the Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, West Virginia, concluding Friday, Sept. 29.
Calandrelli, host and co-executive producer of the Netflix® series Emily’s Wonder Lab, shared her journey through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with attendees, highlighting the significance of CTE instruction for West Virginia students and the opportunities it affords. She conducted an interactive STEM activity with fifth graders from Daniels Elementary School as part of her presentation. They joined approximately 150 administrators in attendance.
West Virginia’s career technical programs allow students to explore careers aligning with their strengths and interests.
State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt
“Students are exposed to many career clusters through career technical education. I am a product of opportunities I found through public schooling in West Virginia, and I am glad the state Department of Education encourages students to explore these exciting options,” said Calandrelli. “I am an example of how a child who is passionate about STEM can achieve a fulfilling career, which started in a West Virginia public school. These CTE administrators share a drive to help their students achieve similar aspirations.”
“West Virginia’s career technical programs allow students to explore careers aligning with their strengths and interests,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “Students can also earn industry-recognized credentials while developing their skills through hands-on training. I am thankful for our CTE administrators because they support their students and lay a foundation for their success.”
Conference guest speakers included West Virginia Department of Tourism (Tourism) Secretary Chelsea Ruby who shared details about Tourism Works. This workforce development partnership between the WVDE and Tourism prepares CTE students for opportunities in that industry.
West Virginia Chancellor of Higher Education Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker will serve as the keynote speaker on Friday, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m. in the Bright Ballroom. She will offer insights on how students can prepare for future employment through a variety of pathways and dual credit courses.
CTE students are building entrepreneurial and workforce skills through a variety of CTE student-led businesses that they create and manage. These include The Miner Café at Mingo Central High School in Mingo County; The Funky Florist at Hundred High School in Wetzel County; and The Good Gauley Coffee Company at the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center (NCCTC), among others. In partnership with Tourism, NCCTC students also designed and constructed the Almost Heaven swings placed at scenic locations throughout West Virginia.
Learn more about West Virginia’s CTE programs.
For media inquiries, contact Christy Day, West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications, at 304-558-2699 or Christy.Day@k12.wv.us.
