Teacher Anita Workman Brings Civics to Life Through Capitol Page Program 

For Anita Workman, teaching wasn’t her first chapter, but it has always been her passion. After returning to school and beginning her teaching career in 2018, Workman found her way back to what inspired her most – History.  

“My heart has always been in history,” she said. “That’s the reason I went to school to become a teacher.”  

Now, nearly two years into her role at West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA), Workman teaches high school U.S. history and civics as well coordinates the West Virginia Capitol Page Program for WVVA students – bringing prestigious experiences directly into her virtual classroom.  

A Hands-On Experience in Government 

The West Virginia Legislature’s Page Program has become an integral part of the services provided to legislators and the public. From its inception, it has been a link between lawmakers and students.  

It is a thoughtful process to choose which students for the Page Program. Workman chooses anywhere from three to six students, based on more than just academics. 

“We select them by their grades, their attendance, and how interested they are in history,” Workman explained, “It doesn’t have to be our top kids, but the kids that want to take an interest. You want the kid that is happy to be there and going to thrive.” 

For Workman, the goal is simple: give students who are curious and motivated the opportunity to experience government firsthand. 

Once selected, students travel to the West Virginia State Capitol where they take on real responsibilities during legislative sessions. 

“They sit either in the House session or the Senate session,” Workman said. “They get to meet their own reps, senators and their own delegates. They’re also being announced on the Senate floor in front of everybody by their reps.” 

Workman explains that the students are there to work.  

“As a page, when a senator or a representative pushes a button, the students run them notes, or they run errands,” Workman said, “The sessions can last anywhere from an hour to four hours.” 

The students don’t just get to observe but be active participants.  

“The kids are working… but they love it,” Workman said. “It makes them feel like rock stars. It makes them feel important, and it provides students with a meaningful and exciting experience in the state government.” 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

For WVVA students, the Page Program transforms abstract concepts into lived experiences. 

“It provides students with a meaningful and exciting experience in the state government because they’re listening to what is important in the legislature today,” Workman said.  

Workman emphasizes the reward of watching your students accomplish something big like this.  

“When you’re sitting in the gallery and it’s your kids down there working on the floor, it makes you so proud,” she said.  

It also builds networking and communication skills for students.  

“They get to meet with other pages from other West Virginia high schools,” Workman said.  
“That is very important to our virtual students that they’re interacting with other schools.” 

Real-World Impact 

The experience doesn’t end when students leave the Capitol. It stays with them. 

They get to see what they learn in class being applied to real life situations in West Virginia and the world. Workman said during the last session there was a large focus on freedom of religion and separation of church and state.  

“It gets their noodles rolling,” Workman said. “Being there and listening to the state legislature, it really made them think, and it made me think a little bit too.” 

These are the kinds of conversations that define civic education; rooted in real issues, real debates, and real decisions. 

The WVVA Advantage 

Programs like the Page Program highlight what makes WVVA unique. Students still get access to the same experience as other high schools across the state.  

Workman also emphasizes how in the virtual world, teachers and students make connections with each other from all over the state.  

“I’m not just teaching kids from Pocahontas County or Greenberg County, she said. “I’m teaching kids from all over West Virginia. It’s very different from what I’m used to, which I love. It’s one of the best parts.” 

For many students, flexibility is key. 

“I have students that travel to many different places, I have students that rodeo full time, and they’re able to do that plus go to school,” Workman said. “It opens up a whole new world of opportunities, not just for students, but for parents too.” 

Workman sees WVVA as a place where opportunity meets accessibility and as the school continues to grow, so do its opportunities. 

“WVVA is growing really quickly,” Workman emphasized. “We have wonderful programs in the history, English, science, and math departments. The Page Program is just one of many programs that we’re just starting to kick off.” 

Preparing Students for the Future 

At its core, the West Virginia Capitol Page Program is about connection between students and their government, their communities, and their future roles as citizens. 

It gives students a voice, a perspective, and an experience they won’t forget. 

And through educators like Anita Workman, WVVA students aren’t just learning about government, they’re living it. 

Learn more about WVVA and the ways students can get involved at wvva.k12.com/academics/ 

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