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Eight Kentucky educators named ‘All Stars’ for innovative technology use in the classroom

Eight educators from across Kentucky have been named “All Stars” as part of the first-annual KET Education All Stars program.

The KET Education All Stars program salutes educators who exemplify what it means to support student achievement through innovative and engaging use of technology. Those chosen will receive paid registration and travel to the annual KET Multimedia Professional Development Day, scheduled for July 17 at KET’s offices in Lexington. All Stars also enjoy opportunities to network and collaborate with the KET Education team throughout the school year.

The 2019 KET Education All Stars are:

Jessica Kiser, preschool/Head Start teacher at Allen Elementary (Floyd County Schools): Jessica first saw the importance of early childhood educators when, as a parent, she witnessed her child’s experience in Head Start. She took on an assistant role in the classroom, eventually furthering her own education to where she became a Preschool/Head Start teacher of her own. Through her partnership with KET, she continues to search for new and inventive ways to keep her young students engaged through fun, hands-on learning.

Sam Northern, library media specialist at Simpson Elementary (Simpson County Schools): Sam works to inspire students to employ technology and dig for information while responsibly navigating the digital world via platforms such as PBS LearningMedia. He makes learning fun, working alongside KET—both in his school’s library and statewide professional development events, such as KET Multimedia Professional Development Day—sharing his excitement for teaching and learning.

Janet Lanham, media services resource librarian (Jefferson County Public Schools): As a resource librarian, Janet is responsible for training other librarians across the district. She uses the JCPS library email listservs to keep educators up-to-date on the latest technological tools and resources available to her large district. Janet has been a true KET partner, regularly availing herself of KET’s resources, such as its regional education consultants, digital resources, workshops and training sessions.

Dee Dee Webb, district technology integration specialist (Grayson County Schools): Dee Dee has exemplified the role of technology use in the classroom—whether through her work as a classroom teacher, media specialist, technology coordinator, STLP sponsor, or technology integration specialist. She regularly shares KET’s resources when she provides training on integration, differentiation, and self-paced learning opportunities for teachers and students in her district. And she likewise shares her knowledge at various statewide learning events, including KET Multimedia Day and KET EdCamp.

Emily Northcutt, library media specialist at Hearn Elementary (Franklin County Schools): Emily continually looks for ways to partner with KET and others to get her students excited about learning. She’s a certified Google Educator, an Apple Teacher, president-elect of Kentucky Association of School Librarians, and a committee chair for the Kentucky Bluegrass Awards. She also embraces technology, frequently inviting KET’s regional educational consultants to her school to update teachers on current educational tools and resources.

Letitia Rudie, library media specialist at Catlettsburg Elementary and Summit Elementary (Boyd County Schools): Letitia strives to instill a love of reading and learning in her students. She utilizes all the tools she can find, including KET’s in-school workshops and KET Media Lab workshops. She serves as an STLP coach as well as the Eastern District President of the Kentucky Association of School Librarians. In March, Letitia won an Excellence in Teaching award from Campbellsville University. And in 2018, she won a Kentucky Bluegrass Award book grant.

Candace Nickles, library media specialist at Beaver Creek Elementary (Knott County Schools): Candace continually searches for current quality resources and tools to share with teachers and students. She frequently partners with KET’s regional education consultants to assist teachers with instructional needs. Candace not only uses KET resources in her school, but likewise encourages students to enjoy hands-on experiences with technology by bringing classes to the KET Media Lab in Lexington. She also is her school’s STLP coach and a 2018 Kentucky Teacher of the Year nominee.

Diane Kelley, director of Hardin County Skills U Adult Education Center: Having worked in adult education for over 20 years, Diane is a tireless advocate and cheerleader for learners. She is always ready with a story about her students and the obstacles they have overcome. Diane’s center uses technology to meet each individual student’s preferred learning style. Hardin County Skills U was a top KET FastForward user in 2018-19. Diane also is director of the Heartland Adult Education Consortium, a partnership with Breckinridge, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, and Marion County Skills U.

For more than 50 years, KET has been a leader in supporting teacher and student success through technology. Members of the KET Education team work with educators—from pre-school to adult education—throughout the year to help make the most of KET resources and others to enhance classroom learning.

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, serving more than one million people each week via television, online and mobile.