Updates/News
Celebrating the Teach Kentucky 2022 Cohort Graduation
- May 20, 2024
- Posted by: Kristen Garner
- Category: Misc
On Sunday, May 19th, Teach Kentucky staff and board members hosted a heartwarming celebration to honor the graduation of the 2022 Cohort. These dedicated individuals commenced their teaching careers with Teach Kentucky in the summer of 2022, embarking on a transformative journey as they entered into a Master of Arts in Teaching program at one of our esteemed partner colleges of education – Asbury, Spalding, or University of Louisville.
The Journey
The 2022 Cohort participated in the Teach Kentucky Summer Institute, immersing themselves in a six-week program before assuming the roles of teachers of record in Louisville schools in August 2022. Some members of this cohort were native Louisvillians, while others relocated to the city, all driven by a shared passion for education and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Over the past two years, these aspiring educators experienced a whirlwind of emotions, from the exhilarating highs to the challenging lows, as they navigated the complexities of the teaching profession. Despite the demanding nature of their roles, they persevered, and upon their graduation, they officially became certified teachers and esteemed Veteran TKYers.
At the core of Teach Kentucky’s success lies the unwavering support and camaraderie within the community of educators. As the 2022 Cohort transitions into the role of veterans, many will assume mentoring responsibilities for the incoming cohort, embodying the ethos of paying it forward and nurturing the next generation of teachers.
A Celebration of Dedication
The celebratory event took place at the residence of Teach Kentucky’s founder and president, Rowan Claypool, underscoring the familial environment that Teach Kentucky fosters for its teachers. Amidst a convivial dinner, the graduating teachers shared their personal stories, recounting the challenges, triumphs, and the profound impact they’ve had over the past two years.
As a tradition, each graduating teacher was honored with a bottle of celebratory champagne and a thoughtful gift from one of Teach Kentucky’s esteemed supporters. The emotional highlight of the evening came as each teacher received their champagne and shared a poignant anecdote from their initial years in teaching. Their stories contained joyous laughter intertwined with heartfelt tears, showcasing the profound dedication and unyielding passion these teachers hold for their students.
The speeches echoed the sentiments of dedication and purpose, with teachers expressing their commitment to creating safe and nurturing environments for their students to thrive. They emphasized the profound impact of building relationships and the transformative power of these connections, transcending mere academic achievements.
As we bid farewell to some of these remarkable teachers, who will be returning to their families across the country, many more will continue to enrich the Louisville community through their dedication to education. Here’s to the Teach Kentucky 2022 Cohort, whose commitment and passion will continue to inspire and shape the future of education.
The Teach Kentucky 2022 Cohort
- Charley Alexander
- Sara Bills
- Daniel Doremus
- Jeremiah Drabik,
- Nelson Figueroa
- Hailey Fisher
- Levi Haliday
- Khialla Hawkins
- Joshua Hughes
- Patrick McCarthy,
- Deyon Miller
- Morgan Mobry
- Abigail Moscato
- Emma Newcom
- Haba Noweder
- Tate Poole
- Rachel Retanal
- Julia Scott
- Callan Stowell
- Catherine Terrell
- Avery Thomson
- Allison Thompson
- Harrison Todd
- Aspen Waldron
- Ariel Waters
- Chandler Weatherford
- Benjamin Ziliak
We are immensely proud of each and every one of them and eagerly anticipate the positive impact they will continue to have on the lives of their students and the field of education.