On Monday, Roane County Schools staff gathered for a critical professional development session led by Angie Conn, a prominent West Virginia anti-trafficking educator and survivor advocate. The presentation served as the official launch of a district-wide initiative to bolster student safety and meet state-mandated education requirements regarding child exploitation.
Empowering Educators as the First Line of Defense
As the founder of SheWhoDares Consulting LLC and a specialized CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) Coordinator, Conn provided staff with intensive training on trauma-informed care. The session focused on the "Shield Task Force" framework, deep-diving into the complexities of child abuse, human trafficking and the evolving digital threats facing youth today.
A central theme of the presentation was the vital role of educators as mandated reporters. By identifying the red flags of grooming and exploitation early, school staff act as a primary shield for vulnerable students.
Student Assemblies: Tools for the Digital Age
The staff training sets the stage for upcoming student assemblies hosted by SHIELD. These presentations are designed to align with the West Virginia Department of Education’s (WVDE) mandates for body safety and sexual abuse prevention.
With child exploitation and online harms reaching record highs, the SHIELD assemblies provide middle and high school students with:
Situational Awareness: Strategies to navigate high-risk scenarios both in-person and online.
Empowerment: Age-appropriate content that builds confidence rather than fear.
Resource Mapping: Direct pathways for survivors to access support and professional resources.
Leadership Excellence
In a highlight of the event, Superintendent Stellato was officially recognized as a SHIELD Task Force Educator. This honor reflects her sustained dedication to student welfare and her proactive collaboration with SHIELD to bring these life-saving resources to Roane County.
For more information on the SHIELD Task Force and the resources available to families, please visit www.shieldwv.com.