Teachers Ascend into West Virginia

Recruiting and retaining talented teachers is essential for student success in the Mountain State. Educators are responsible for shaping our nation’s future, a role of undeniable importance, which inspired the creation of Teachers Ascend into West Virginia. Launched in spring 2024 by West Virginia University (WVU), the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative (WVPEC) and the West Virginia Department of Education, this initiative works to attract dedicated and talented educators to the state.

“Teachers Ascend is an innovative approach to teacher recruitment in West Virginia, aiming to bring teachers to West Virginia to help fill the 1,200 openings,” says Donna Peduto, executive director of the WVPEC. “By highlighting quality of life, intentionally integrating them with the community and offering opportunities for personal and professional growth, Teachers Ascend offers a unique opportunity for teachers who are looking for a great place to live, work and play.”

Teachers Ascend was inspired by the success of Ascend West Virginia as well as other innovative, nationwide teacher recruitment models.

“The program is modeled after the highly successful Ascend West Virginia remote worker recruitment program and built from benchmarking 12 teacher corps programs,” Peduto says. “Teachers Ascend leverages these attributes along with West Virginia’s rich outdoor assets and communities as a recruitment strategy. In alignment with the program’s strategies and activities, the ideal candidate will possess most, if not all, of the following qualities: a commitment to education, desire for small-town living, enthusiasm for outdoor activities and a career-focused approach. Teachers Ascend will also serve to elevate the teaching profession by providing incentives and opportunities for teacher leadership.”

The program resulted from a dedicated group effort involving multiple organizations working toward the same goal. One of these is the WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), which, in partnership with the state, created Ascend West Virginia.

“When we learned there are approximately 1,200 teacher openings in the state, we wanted to see how we could adapt the Ascend West Virginia model to address this strategic need,” says Danny Twilley, Ph.D., assistant vice president for community and economic development at WVU. “What we have learned through Ascend West Virginia is we can attract people to move to West Virginia, and by fully leaning into our pillars of community, purpose and the outdoors, they will stay, as that program has a 97% retention rate. If it works for remote and hybrid workers, we wanted to test the theory to see if it would also work for teachers.”

The OEDC works closely with the WVPEC to fine-tune the program and make sure it continues to grow and develop. Brad and Alys Smith, president and first lady of Marshall University and co-founders of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, are excited to support the strategic growth of Teachers Ascend through the Ascend West Virginia model.

“Teachers Ascend was founded to confront chronic teacher shortages in West Virginia’s rural and underserved districts,” Alys says. “By inviting teachers nationwide to relocate for a two-year program, it channels high-quality talent into classrooms that have historically struggled to recruit and retain educators. Candidates receive a $6,000 relocation stipend, up to $4,050 in tuition assistance through WVU, mentorship, professional development and concierge services to find additional summer employment—all intended to make relocation practical and sustainable.”

The program package makes relocating to the Mountain State not only affordable and practical but also incredibly appealing.

“Teachers Ascend mirrors Ascend West Virginia’s emphasis on outdoor adventure, social connection and quality-of-life experiences—things that help newcomers feel rooted in community and less isolated,” Alys says. “Cohorts participate in social gatherings, outdoor initiatives and peer support networks that foster belonging and community investment. By blending incentives, connection and institutional support, Teachers Ascend is strengthening the educator talent pipeline—anchoring individuals in communities where they live, teach and contribute over the long term.”

Another organization that has been highly influential in Teachers Ascend is the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. The organization has been grantmaking for 80 years and is committed to supporting educational systems.

“As we partnered with state and local education leaders, the urgent need to attract and retain talented educators was evident,” says Melanie Claxton, senior program officer of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. “In response to this need, we proudly invested in the vision for Teachers Ascend and continue to work alongside the West Virginia Department of Education, the WVPEC and other key partners to see the initiative take shape.”

Teachers Ascend’s pilot year has wrapped up and is being evaluated for its success; however, initial teacher feedback has been very positive.

“As someone who loves the outdoors, I was immediately drawn to the natural beauty and adventure that West Virginia has to offer,” says Christian Ostrander, kindergarten teacher at Preston Elementary School and Teachers Ascend participant. “From whitewater rafting and kayaking to scenic hikes and bike trails, the state feels like an outdoor paradise. When I discovered the Teachers Ascend program, it felt like the perfect fit: a chance to connect with other passionate, like-minded educators while building a strong sense of community in a new and exciting place.”

It’s not just the adventure aspect Ostrander loves; he also feels the program has played an important role in helping him launch his teaching career. He has felt supported through mentorship, resources and a strong professional network. Other program participants share similar views.

“Teachers Ascend has helped me in so many ways,” says Andrea Mulligan, classroom music teacher and choral director at South Middle School. “Socially, I have made many friends, one of which is my teaching mentor, who was assigned to me through Ascend. She has been invaluable
to me in learning to navigate teaching in a new state and a new grade level. Ascend has created a community of educators who work together to grow, learn and better ourselves.”

Another program participant echoes Mulligan’s sentiment while also sharing how this program is a way to truly impact West Virginia’s schools and communities.

“Teachers Ascend has so many opportunities for members,” says Drew Calandrelli, a math teacher at Morgantown High School. “While the financial incentives are great, it offers so much more. First and foremost, it has furthered my career by bringing me back to a school where I really feel I can make an impact on students. West Virginia is an amazing state, but we are not without our issues. Education is the great equalizer in society, and I believe education is a major part of addressing the issues our state faces. Teachers Ascend is doing amazing work bringing in teachers to help with this goal.”