Webster County High School Instructor Named 2025 National CTE Award Recipient

Webster Springs, W.Va. - The West Virginia Department of Education proudly announces that Health Science (Therapeutic Services) Instructor Beth Roberts has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award, presented annually by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI). This prestigious honor recognizes one career technical education (CTE) educator for exemplary instruction, leadership, outstanding dedication to students and for advancing CTE programs across the country.

Roberts was nominated by three former students, two currently pursuing nursing and one enrolled in a pre-medical program. This reflects her profound influence on students entering the healthcare field and the long-term impact of high-quality CTE instruction in rural West Virginia.

"Career technical education provides incredible opportunities for students to expand their skills and discover potential career pathways," said Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. "Educators like Mrs. Roberts exhibit the excellence and commitment of West Virginia teachers. She is an awe-inspiring leader whose impact on student achievement will be felt for years to come."

As an educator, Roberts has demonstrated exceptional achievements in her classroom and beyond, including:

• A 100% student pass rate on national healthcare credentialing exams, with NOCTI scores consistently meeting or exceeding state and national averages
• Securing more than $94,000 in grant funding within the past three years to expand curriculum and student opportunities
• Offering five dual-credit college courses annually, providing students with valuable post-secondary advantages
• Establishing strong clinical partnerships with Webster Memorial Hospital and Vandalia Health
• Providing access to multiple industry-recognized healthcare certifications for high school students

Roberts was honored at the Association for Career and Technical Education CareerTech VISION 2025 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, where she represented Webster County Schools and exemplified the growing strength and success of CTE programming in West Virginia.