Introducing the 2023–2024 Kentucky Innovative Learning Network (KY ILN) Innovative Teacher Fellows
The Division of Innovative Learning at KDE is excited to announce the ten teachers selected to join the Kentucky Innovative Learning Network’s Innovative Teacher Fellowship. This is the second cohort of teachers working to advance the vision of United We Learn in Kentucky classrooms through innovative pedagogy, practices, professional learning, and collaboration.
These ten teachers will develop, implement, reflect on, and share their successes and challenges with innovative classroom projects. Each teacher will develop a project that supports learner-centered innovations such as personalized learning, competency-based learning, high-quality performance assessment, and more.
The official Kentucky Department of Education announcement can be accessed here: Ten Kentucky educators selected for 2023–2024 Innovative Teacher Fellowship program
Learn more about each Fellow below:
“This is my 3rd year as a collaborative Special Education teacher for Language Arts at Owensboro Public Schools. Before I received my degree, I spent four years as an instructional aide in Special Education. I am actively involved inside and outside the classroom as I am an Assistant Coach with Cross Country and Girls Basketball, and I am a Bookkeeper for Volleyball.”
“Married for 31 years with three grown daughters, 1 (soon to be 2) grandson(s), and Simon our Goldendoodle. We recently moved into a camper to begin new adventures. I love to read, craft, hike, kayak, and run. I am starting my 24th year in education, nine years as a fourth-grade teacher and the rest as a library media specialist at McKell Elementary in Greenup County. I have coached many extra-curriculars — the latest were STLP and Lego League coach. I love my position, and we very rarely have a “quiet” library. My goal is to instill the love of reading, whether it takes me dressing up silly, incorporating technology, or making the library welcoming and comfortable. I am always willing to learn something new to bring to the students.”
Jennifer Brown is the 5th & 6th-grade social studies teacher at Menifee Central. A sixteen-year teaching veteran, this is her seventh at Menifee. Jennifer is a graduate of Berea College with a degree in elementary education and is currently pursuing her National Boards certification. She is part of the district’s Deeper Learning Team, implementing project-based learning in her classes. Jennifer serves as a teacher mentor for new teachers in her school and is a Teaching in Excellence Award winner. Jennifer also coaches the Menifee Central drama club and is a part of the KEDC Hero history grant. Jennifer is committed to educating her students by fostering a classroom of inquiry and active engagement.
Elise Carter is a Business Teacher at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, KY.
Elise graduated from Princeton High School in Cincinnati, OH and attended the University of Cincinnati. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and began working at U.S. Bank. While employed there, she completed a Master of Business Administration. After 10 years, she knew there must be something more than this and went back to school to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching in Business and Social Studies. She pioneered a dual credit model at her high school, whereby students can earn college credit while also working toward a high school diploma. She designed and currently teaches six (6) dual-credit classes that allow her students to explore their interest; it is tailored towards leadership and entrepreneurship and the pursuit of internships with small businesses to immerse themselves in authentic learning experiences.
Like her time at the bank, the thought crossed her mind again, “There must be something more than this.” On August 21, 2021, she co-founded and incorporated a not-for-profit, Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students in Education (NISE). NISE’s mission is to engage and develop learners as empathetic and critical thinkers who collaborate and lead in a global community.
Elise is married to Anthony and is blessed to raise two children, Anthony II and Ellisen.
“My name is Brooke Coffman. I have been a middle school math teacher for 9 years. I graduated from WKU with a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Math and a Master’s in Teacher Leader. I have taught in Bullitt County and Shelby County, all 6th/7th grade. I have a love for pushing students to their abilities and beyond. I am excited to participate in a cohort to help extend my learning and be a teacher leader in my school/district with the learning from this group.”
“I am currently in my 23rd year as an educator in Kentucky. I have experience in elementary and middle school. My current teaching position is in middle school technology. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts Teacher as Leader with a CET endorsement from Northern Kentucky University. Spring 2024, I will complete a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and will begin working on a Doctorate at Northern Kentucky University. Outside of the profession, I have been married to my husband Chad for 23 years. We enjoy traveling with our three children. My educational philosophy is “All students can learn, we have to figure out how they learn best.”
Mrs. George has tirelessly dedicated her career to empowering students and families, enhancing educational practices, and driving positive change in the academic sphere. During her illustrious career, Mrs. George has worn many hats, including lead teacher, new teacher mentor, school-based instructional specialist, administrative dean, MTSS lead, National Board Lead, and assistant principal. These diverse roles have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the education system. Currently, Mrs. George holds the position of STEAM Lab teacher at Picadome Elementary, where she has found a deep passion for delivering innovative and engaging instruction to students.
Her commitment to serving students and families in Title 1 schools has been further exemplified by her pursuit of an English Language Learner endorsement through Eastern Kentucky University. Her goal is to continuously refine her instructional skills and open new doors of opportunity for students and their families.
Mrs. George firmly believes that a truly effective advocate for education draws inspiration from the wealth of experience in her professional journey and the collective wisdom of fellow educators. As she takes on the role of an Innovative Teacher Fellow, she is determined to harness her diverse background to improve educational outcomes for students and wholeheartedly support the Three Big Ideas of the United We Learn vision.
Mrs. George’s journey is a testament to the power of education and the unwavering commitment to creating a brighter future for students. She is an exemplary figure in the world of education, and her dedication to innovation and transformation sets a powerful example for educators everywhere.
Katie Johnson is from Bloomfield, KY. Born and raised in the heart of Kentucky.
Katie’s journey in education began with a solid foundation of innovative teachers. She pursued her passion for teaching by earning a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies Education at Campbellsville University. Katie’s teaching career took root at Marion County High School in 2013.
During her tenure at MCHS, she not only imparted knowledge but also became an integral part of the school community. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom, as she served as the head swim coach, assistant track and field coach, and as a valued teacher representative on the school’s site-based decision-making council. In pursuit of continuous growth and excellence in education, Katie currently teaches AP Human Geography and US History at Shelby County High School.
Her commitment to education remains unwavering as she also serves as a teacher representative on the site-based decision-making council and as the senior class co-sponsor. Katie Johnson’s philosophy regarding innovative education is a testament to her dedication to her students. She believes that innovative education begins with the establishment of strong relationships and rapport. To inspire the next generation of learners in an innovative way, one must first connect with them on a personal level. This deep connection lays the foundation for a transformative educational experience that leaves a lasting impact.
Outside the classroom, Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, and gardening. Katie currently resides in Shelbyville, KY with her husband Collin and beloved dog, Lucy.
“Hello, my name is Nikki Jolly, and I currently reside in Center, KY, with my husband, Richie, and three kids, Dathan, Mayci, and Bree. When I’m not being a teacher, I love to spend time with my family, go waterfall chasing, or watch the youngest in all her school sports. I began my teaching career in the alternate route with the Transition to Teaching Program and just completed my 12th year as a special education teacher. This year, I have been given the opportunity to dive deep into my other love, Art! I have taken a new position this year at our middle school as the Visual & Performing Arts Teacher. I am beyond excited to have been given this opportunity, and I want to give my students unforgettable experiences in my art classroom.”
“Education is a lifelong endeavor, and one should challenge themselves to learn something new every day. As a Clark County educator of 22 years, that is the challenge I have always set forth for my students and myself. I have had students from kindergarten to fourth graders during that time, and my experiences have taught me much and prepared me for new and different horizons.
In addition to being an educator, I am a wife of 18 years and a mom to three beautiful children. I enjoy reading, creating teaching materials, and spending time outside when I find spare time. Helping teachers be their best professional selves is a passion of mine. It is my hope that time spent in this fellowship will pave the way for other educators to make their mark.”
These ten exceptional educators will support a trailblazing legacy that began with the inaugural 2022–2023 cohort. For more information on these teachers, their work, and the work of the KY ILN, contact Rob Collins at robert.collins@education.ky.gov.
