Amy Patterson, second from right, a systems consultant/data manager in KDE’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning, was named the recipient of the 2024 Kevin M. Noland-Mary Ann Miller Award for Outstanding Public Service to Kentucky Schools. Presenting her the award were, from left, Ed Miller, husband of the late Mary Ann Miller; KBE Vice Chair Lu Young; and Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher. Photo by Joe Ragusa, Kentucky Department of Education, Dec. 5, 2024
Amy Patterson, a systems consultant/data manager in the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL), was named the recipient of the 2024 Kevin M. Noland-Mary Ann Miller Award at the Dec. 5 Kentucky Board of Education meeting.
The award recognizes a KDE employee for significant service to Kentucky’s public schools and for providing inspiration for education. KDE staff submit nominations for the award.
“Thank you so much,” said Patterson. “I work with a great group of people at KDE and OSEEL and within the districts. They are so supportive and I am so appreciative of the support I get from everyone. This is a great place to work. I love it.”
Patterson has been with KDE for 16 years. She started in the Office of Teaching and Learning, but since has served in various roles that demonstrate her commitment to Kentucky’s public education.
“Amy has continually dedicated herself to service, innovation and leadership,” her nominator wrote in her nomination letter. “Her significant impact on data quality and educational advancement extends from Kentucky to a national level, where she has emerged as a respected leader in the field of special education data management.”
In her early years, Patterson provided support to Kentucky’s districts in KDE’s Division of Learning Supports, managing initiatives such as Individualized Learning Plans, ACT college readiness transition courses, and graduation requirements. Patterson’s versatility also allowed her to serve as a math consultant and later, for a brief time, in the Career and Technical Education division.
Since becoming KDE’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) data manager in 2015, she has been essential in building efficient and effective data processes that strengthen the department’s support of local special education programs. Each year, she conducts trainings that equip district administrators and school personnel with the skills and resources they need for accurate, timely data management.
In addition to leading KDE’s data efforts, Patterson works closely with the OSEEL team and national technical assistance providers to ensure Kentucky upholds the highest standards in data quality and accessibility. Her contributions were recognized during Kentucky’s most recent Differentiated Monitoring and Support visit from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs.
Patterson also ensures local directors of special education are supported with an up-to-date, step-by-step data manual, making complex reporting processes clear and manageable.
In 2021, she was elected chair of the National Association for State Directors of Special Education’s Special Education Data Manager Affinity Group. She led IDEA Part B data managers for all the nation’s states and entities. Her election as chair underscores her expertise and dedication to advancing the field nationally.
As Kentucky’s IDEA data manager, Patterson leads the Commonwealth’s efforts in collecting, validating and submitting special education data to the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring data quality and integrity that ultimately enhance educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher said Patterson, “embodies everything it means to be a servant leader. She is ‘All In’ when it comes to ensuring there is necessary support and resources to provide the best possible opportunities for student success across the Commonwealth.”
The award is named for Kevin M. Noland, who served as KDE’s deputy commissioner, general counsel and as interim commissioner on four separate occasions, and Mary Ann Miller, who served KDE as a program consultant, staff assistant, policy adviser, director of the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) and chief of staff.
Established in 2013 to recognize Noland’s 18 years of service, KBE added Miller’s name to the award in 2017 to honor her 30 years of service to KDE.
A selection committee made up of KDE employees reviewed and rated this year’s nominations.
“Amy Patterson has established an enduring legacy of excellence and inspiration at KDE,” Patterson’s nominator wrote. “Her contributions continue to elevate Kentucky’s public education system and inspire her colleagues. Amy’s work has left a lasting impact on the agency, the state and the national stage.”
Leave A Comment