I know we all tend to tune out challenging news, especially when it does not improve much from year to year, but we need continue to focus on the importance of recruiting – and retaining – high-quality educators.
Katie Hale has three goals when it comes to teaching: promote grit and compassion for others, provide an engaging, rigorous learning experience and prepare students for the modern world.
Deanna Landrum has spent the past 11 years of her life dedicated to her students. In her current role as a library media specialist and Google support specialist at the Southgate Independent School District, she is demonstrating a passion for literacy and innovation.
From 2022-2023, the KDE Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, alongside regional education cooperatives, had 11,997 participants in their trainings and initiatives with 68% of districts participating. To see this much enthusiasm and desire to grow to support all students is something Kentucky should be immensely proud of!
Justin Moreschi is a 16-year veteran educator currently teaching 4th- and 5th-grade science at Klondike Lane Elementary (Jefferson County).
Lafayette takes pride in being acknowledged for this honorable award.
Donnie Wilkerson, a 5th-grade social studies teacher at Jamestown Elementary School (Russell County), loves to make learning history immersive and fun for his students.
While I know Kentucky has many great and innovative educators across the state, I also know that students cannot learn if they are not in school. And unfortunately, too many of our students miss school on a regular basis.
David McCoy, the lead welding teacher at Pleasure Ridge Park High School (Jefferson County), has taken the program from its beginning in an old locker room to a bustling program with 141 students in just six years.
Two Clark County Public Schools have been recognized for their commitment to family engagement: Baker Intermediate School and Conkwright Elementary School have been certified as Family Friendly Schools by the Prichard Committee.