Guest Columnist, Author at Kentucky Teacher

2026 Kentucky Elementary Teacher of the Year Melanie Howard advocates for and celebrates her students

Melanie Howard’s unwavering devotion to a profession that demands an abundance of patience and heart has not gone unnoticed. Howard, a dedicated special education moderate and severe disabilities (MSD) educator at Corbin Primary School (Corbin Independent), was named a 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year finalist and winner of the elementary school teaching division at a ceremony held on Oct. 7 in Frankfort.

By Hope Cole|2025-10-08T09:52:44-04:00October 7, 2025|

Rowan County’s Valiant Viking Profile of a Learner integrated into Family Friendly Schools success

To begin our (Family Friendly Schools) work, we formed a committee of stakeholders that represented our population. We sought out parents to join the partnership who were from diverse populations represented in our school.

By Casey Hall|2025-10-01T17:14:06-04:00October 1, 2025|

Building a Culture of Connection: Morgan Central Elementary’s Journey to Becoming a Family Friendly School

Over the past school year, our school has undertaken a deeply meaningful journey to strengthen the partnership between home and school by becoming certified as a Family Friendly School.

By Ashlee Mason|2025-09-24T16:45:08-04:00September 24, 2025|

Wrigley Elementary’s path to Family Friendly Certification: ‘Family has always been a priority in our school’

The schools in our district are all Title I schools and we are constantly working on ways that we can improve to increase our parent and family involvement and engagement.

By Larissa Johnson|2025-09-17T11:37:38-04:00September 17, 2025|

Rowan County Middle School FRYSC coordinator highlights Family Friendly work

If you want to build a partnership with parents, you must begin with parent input, so we started there.

By Whitney Watercutter|2025-09-10T17:20:51-04:00September 10, 2025|

Tates Creek High School focuses on families with Family Friendly Certification

Families matter! That’s why we do the work we do. As we learn about and engage with families, everyone wins.

By Jay Jones|2025-09-03T15:56:15-04:00September 3, 2025|

Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell on the importance of All In for Ag Education Week

Kentucky’s second statewide Agriculture Education Week will be more than teaching students where their food, fuel, and fiber come from. Like the first All In for Ag Education Week last spring, the fall version will also introduce them to career opportunities that agriculture offers and will seek to inspire them to be a part of its future.

By Jonathan Shell|2025-09-03T14:56:08-04:00September 3, 2025|

Renewed effort to highlight the importance of regular school attendance

The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time, and I wish nothing but the best for our students and our educators as the year progresses. This has always been my favorite time of the year, welcoming students, educators and staff back into the buildings, filled with joy and the passion to learn.

By Robbie Fletcher|2025-09-02T16:31:31-04:00September 2, 2025|

Millcreek Elementary: A Family-Centered Journey to Certification

This recognition isn't just a plaque on our wall; it's a testament to our deeply held belief that families and community are the heart and soul of Millcreek Elementary.

By Jodi Johnson|2025-08-27T16:50:03-04:00August 27, 2025|

The arts bring students to school

In Kentucky, chronic absenteeism is a significant barrier to academic success, especially for students in rural areas and those facing economic hardships.

By Cynthia Warner|2025-08-28T13:29:09-04:00August 22, 2025|

Guest Columnist

About Hope Cole