WVU Parkersburg signs new students into Elementary Education program

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 7, 2025) — The WVU Parkersburg Professional Studies Division hosted a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 2 to honor students being admitted into the education program, as well as induct new members into Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Education.

Students Carly Anderson, Emily Biles, Alisha Cook, Allison Davis, Kallie Heaney, Marissa Jeffrey, Melody Johnson, Hayden Kelly, Austin Lawrence, Mary Morrison, Alissa Saffell and Wyatt Simon were admitted into the Elementary Education Program.

“The Education Signing Ceremony is a huge milestone for our teacher candidates,” said Dr. Megan McKnight, Director of Teacher Education. “Teaching is more than just a job — it’s a calling. To step into this profession, you need dedication not only to your students but also to your own growth. Great teachers never stop learning; they keep building their knowledge and skills. You’ll also serve as role models, showing others what it looks like to grow, adapt, and lead with integrity. That balance — growing yourself while helping others grow — is at the very heart of being an educator,” she continues.

In order to be admitted into the Education Program, candidates must have completed at least 45 hours of coursework, 60 hours of field placement, maintain a 3.0 GPA, pass or be exempt from three PRAXIS Core exams and complete 50 hours of service learning.

During the ceremony each student signed their name as a commitment to the Architects of the Future Code of Honor and were presented with a personalized certificate of admission to the teacher education program, as well as a copy of the Architects of the Future Code of Honor and a lapel pin symbolizing their admission and commitment to the program.

Riley Bettinger, Emily Biles, Alisha Cook, Allison Davis, Virginia Haddox, Kallie Heaney, Marissa Jeffrey, Ryleigh Moore, Mary Morrison, Amylia Myers and Bella Tagliarini Williams were all inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Education.

Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Education, inspires and equips teachers to thrive. For over 100 years, this honor society has held fast to the beliefs of community, belonging leadership and celebration.

The Education Department had a reception with food and drinks for guests after the ceremony.

WVU Parkersburg has recently received state approval to offer new education pathways, including the Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher (ECCAT) and Paraprofessional studies programs. These credentials serve as foundational steps toward initial teacher licensure, expanding access and opportunity for future educators across the region. To learn more, visit  https://www.wvup.edu/news/new-pathways-prepare-wvu-parkersburg-students-for-education-careers/

For more information on the WVU Parkersburg Elementary Education program, please visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/programs/elementary-education/