Vilseck High School students shine at Educators Rising conference in Wiesbaden

Ciaglia, Elisa Ms.

Mar 05, 2026

Students listen as Vilseck High School educator Anthony Devine leads a session on language, influence, and media literacy during the Educators Rising Conference in Wiesbaden, Germany. Students from across the Department of War Education Activity Europe region participated in workshops and leadership activities focused on the future of education.

VILESCK, Germany — Students from Vilseck High School represented their school with distinction during the annual Educators Rising Conference in Wiesbaden, joining peers from across Europe for a week of academic competition, leadership development, and collaboration focused on the future of education.

The Vilseck High School chapter of Educators Rising, led by advisor Ms. Elisa Ciaglia, participated in the conference alongside students from fourteen high schools across the Department of War Education Activity Europe region. Vilseck students Isabella K., Ami M., Lisa B., Audrianna K., Valerie B., Leah S., Chloe S., and Abina R. took part in academic challenges, leadership workshops, and team-building activities designed to strengthen their interest in the teaching profession and develop future education leaders.

The conference provided opportunities for students to collaborate with peers, explore ideas about teaching and learning, and engage in discussions about emerging issues in education.

Student achievements

Several Vilseck High School students earned recognition for their performance during the conference.

Isabella K., the chapter president, placed third overall in the Lesson Plan category.

Isabella K. and Audrianna K., the chapter’s communications director, also earned third place overall in the Ethical Dilemma Live Debate category. During the event, students debated how educators and students should navigate the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Conference judges also selected five new student members to serve on the Executive Board for the 2026–2027 school year. Three of the five selected students are from Vilseck High School: Chloe S., Valerie B., and Audrianna K.

Staff contributions

Vilseck High School educators also played an active role in the conference.

Ms. Dana Panczenko delivered a session on improvisation and served as a keynote speaker during the conference’s opening assembly. Mr. Anthony Devine led a session focused on language, influence, and media literacy.

Ms. Elisa Ciaglia, advisor for the Vilseck High School Educators Rising chapter, supported and mentored the students throughout the school year as they prepared to participate in the conference.

A community of rising educators

Ciaglia expressed appreciation for the faculty and staff who continue to support students interested in careers in education, noting that their mentorship plays an important role in preparing the next generation of educators.

For Vilseck High School students, the conference provided an opportunity to grow as leaders, connect with peers across Europe, and gain valuable experience that will support their future academic and career goals.

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The Department of War Education Activity continues to advance student success through the Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, supporting Strategic Goal 3: Talent Excellence by encouraging leadership development and career exploration opportunities for students.