Local celebrity or movie star is a title that WVEA member Jodi Mote never expected to have but is exactly what happened after his life story was made into a feature film by JC Films Studios last year. “We believe” is a Christian film that features St. Marys High School’s current head coach and special education teacher Jodi Mote. Mote did not get paid for his starring role in the movie, but if he had made millions, he would have built a special needs facility for individuals aged 21 and older. Mote said he wishes there were more opportunities for his special needs students to continue contributing after they graduate. “There is not a lot for them to do once they turn 21 and age out of the system.”

Mote prides himself on his 28-year teaching career and more than two decades of coaching the Blue Devils. He says, “teaching is in my blood.” He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a teacher, as many of his siblings did as well—and he has zero regrets. “If I could do it all over again, I would become a teacher and a coach again.” Mote said the best part of the film was that his students with special needs also starred in it with him. “I love working with and helping my students throughout my career. I don’t care if a student has behavior issues, etc., I find a way to help them to be successful,” said Mote. He credits some of his best breakthroughs with his students thanks to a program called the Picture Exchange Communication System by Lori Brondy and Andy Frost. Mote says, “it is world renowned and has made a big difference in helping my students.” It is a program that uses pictures to help students with autism communicate.

Mote has had a successful teaching career with many awards displayed as memories throughout his classroom as reminders of his lasting contributions to the success of his students. This year, Mote nominated one of his senior students, Jaden Jones, for the WV ATC Barbara Becker Cottrill Autism Achievement Award. This is a special award to him since he spearheaded the annual award named after a mentor of his and is established in her name: Dr. Barbara Becker-Cottrill from the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Mote said that he wouldn’t be where he was at educationally, if it weren’t for Dr. Becker-Cottrill, former executive director, at the Autism Training Center at Marshall University and Dr. Marc Ellison, the current executive director. Mote said, “I am always trying to learn more to be a better educator.” He also wants to thank Dr. James Ball with JB Autism Consulting in New Jersey. “He continues to provide feedback in Pleasants County on any assistance that he might be able to provide,” said Mote. Mote currently has a program at the high school where his students are able to volunteer at businesses during the school day. Mote said Mrs. Kim Kehrer, Director of Special Programs in Pleasants County, West Virginia, started the N-ABLE program – Navigating and Building Life Experiences, and he now is in charge of implementing it.

In his free time, Mote is very active in his church and leads singing, as well as speaks about the scriptural meaning behind the hymns, at several church of Christ locations. Mote also said that he wants to thank his wife, Mandy, and his five children for their love and support. Mote was recently honored as the 2025 Pleasants County Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to him on this well-deserved recognition and all his outstanding achievements!