In the fall of 2021, I was asked to join Logan County’s Local Laboratory of Learning (L3). At the time, I didn’t really understand what that meant. I knew I would be attending some Zoom meetings, but I had no idea how deep this work would run or how important it really is.
Nice to meet you! I am happy to be the newest editor of Kentucky Teacher and information office supervisor at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). I have been a storyteller since I could first speak and have been involved in various communications, government and advocacy roles for the past five years.
I once read that the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook Sheryl Sandburg stated, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure it lasts even in your absence.”
This is the first in a series of columns highlighting the work being done across Kentucky by members of Local Laboratories of Learning (L3s). The L3s are part of the Kentucky Department of Education’s United We Learn Initiative, which is how Kentucky educators, families and community leaders will use innovation and meaningful student experience to prepare students for the future.
I’m Solyana Mesfin, a senior at Eastern High School (Jefferson County), and I currently serve as the nonvoting student ex officio member on the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE). As my time comes to an end, I encourage students in the 4th Congressional District to apply for this position!
As a teacher, I am asked a similar question nearly daily: “How do you still do it?” “Are you thinking of leaving?” “Have you considered jobs in higher ed?”
Hola. Me llamo Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. y estoy humildemente orgulloso y honrado de servir como el Maestro del Año de Kentucky 2022.
Bonjour. Je m’appelle Willie Edward Taylor Carver Junior, et je suis fier, honoré, et rempli d’humilité de recevoir le titre Kentucky Teacher of the Year pour l’année 2022.
My name is Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. and I am proud, honored and humbled to be serving as the 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year.
In Kentucky, we are known for setting records – most notably in college sports, horse racing and the bourbon industry. Keeping with that theme, the first half of Governor Beshear’s and my term has been one for the record books.