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Ashlee Kemper, a third-grade teacher at Cochran Elementary School, has been presented with the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E and KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher on March 20 during a ceremony at the school.
“Mrs. Kemper is kind and patient, all the while setting extremely high expectations for all children and holding all children accountable,” said Principal Tim Foster. “Her presence on our faculty is one of the reasons we have been able to move our school forward. She is what all principals pray for.”
Kemper is the past recipient of several educational awards, including Student Teacher of the Year at the University of Louisville and the 2014 Hilliard Lyons Teacher of the Year. In addition, she serves as a teacher leader at the school and is an active participant in her professional learning community.
“Ashlee knows her students very well, and because of this knowledge she is able to assist students in setting goals in all content areas and then helping them achieve those goals,” said Susan Spencer, a goal clarity coach at Cochran. “Through her knowledge and relationship building with her students she is able to set a tone of community in her classroom like no other.”
As part of LG&E and KU’s commitment to supporting education across the communities it serves, Kemper and other ExCEL Award winning teachers each receive a $1,000 instructional grant from the company.
Ashley Scholle, a fourth grade language arts and social studies teacher at Audubon Traditional Elementary School, has been presented with the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E and KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher on March 6 during a ceremony at the school.
“Ms. Scholle is a wonderful fourth grade teacher who models integrity, respect, creativity and accountability,” said Audubon Principal Tiffany Marshall. “She is a leader in the building who supports the students inside and outside of the classroom. Students know they have to learn, and are willing to be challenged to reach their potential.”
Scholle dedicates extensive time and energy to her students and school community outside the classroom as well. She has been involved in numerous initiatives, including the Reading Content Specialist Team and Visual and Performing Arts Program Review Committee, teaches Extended Learning and serves as Quick Recall Coach.
“Mrs. Scholle has a passion for teaching and helping students realize their full potential by creating a safe and engaging learning environment that inspires students to work at higher levels,” said Robin Divine, a counselor at Audubon. “She inspires students to participate in her classroom and they always feel safe to ask questions to further their knowledge.”
As part of LG&E and KU’s commitment to supporting education across the communities it serves, Scholle and other ExCEL Award winning teachers each receive a $1,000 instructional grant from the company.
Holly Hawkins, a fifth-grade teacher at Tully Elementary School, has been presented with the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E and KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher on Feb. 6 during a ceremony at the school.
“Throughout her tenure at Tully, Holly has designed an exemplary classroom that has met with great success,” said Principal Linda Dauenhauer. “You cannot walk into her classroom without instantly becoming motivated yourself. She motivates students because of her high energy and belief that all students can learn.”
“Mrs. Hawkins encourages her students to work to their highest potential and to always put forth their best effort,” said Missy Schutte, a fellow teacher at Tully. “I witness her on a regular basis trying to pull out the very best in every student. She inspires them to become better by persevering and not giving up – valuable life skills.”
Hawkins dedicates time to her students and school community outside the classroom as well, serving on the School-Based Decision Making Council as well as numerous other committees, and organizes many of the school’s instructional nights, student council activities and extracurricular events. She also serves as assistant coach for both the cross country and track teams.
As part of LG&E and KU’s commitment to supporting education across the communities it serves, Hawkins and other ExCEL Award-winning teachers each receive a $1,000 instructional grant from the company.
Rusty Weihe, a second-grade teacher at Farmer Elementary School, has been awarded the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E and KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher during a ceremony at the school last week.
“Students in Mr. Weihe’s class are challenged with rigorous and engaging lessons from the minute they walk through the doors to the time they leave,” Farmer Principal Shannon Conlon said. “No instructional time during the day is lost due to his level of preparedness each and every day.”
Weihe is a strong advocate for his school, serving on numerous teams, including the Instructional Leadership Team, Professional Learning Community, Site-Based Decision Making Council and Response to Intervention team. He is also a member of the Parent-Teacher Association, and serves as the school leader for the Orton-Gillingham reading program as well as a University of Louisville mentor.
“Mr. Weihe makes it his mission to reach all students where they are academically,” said Nicholas Toole, assistant principal at Farmer. “He possesses the grit and perseverance to get the students to complete the year on grade level. He is a true leader among his colleagues and one that they turn to when they have questions about instruction or specific student concerns.”
His colleagues echo that sentiment.
“Rusty holds high expectations for all learners and establishes an environment where all children know they are valuable and capable,” said second-grade teacher Sarah Switzer. “He is committed to teaching each child as an individual.”
As part of LG&E and KU’s commitment to supporting education across the communities it serves, Weihe and other ExCEL Award winning teachers each receive a $1,000 instructional grant from the company.
Michelle McKelvy, an English teacher at Ballard High School, has been awarded the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E and KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher earlier this week during a ceremony at the school.
“Mrs. McKelvy stands out because of the heart and compassion she shows every student,” said Ballard Principal Staci Eddleman. “Every conversation she has with a student is validating and uplifting. If a student is having a hard time, she is the gentle ear they seek. If a student is proud of an accomplishment, she is the one with whom they share. In her words and actions she makes each child feel special.”
Praised by fellow educators for her ability to make an impact on Advanced Placement and Achievement Gap students alike, McKelvy was recognized by the District with a Golden Oar Award in fall 2016. She has presented and facilitated a number of discussions and professional development seminars, including “Building a Classroom Community” in 2015, “Book Love: Developing Depth, Stamina, and Passion in Adolescent Readers” in 2016; and “Reeling in the Reluctant Reader” in 2016.
McKelvy works continuously to improve instruction through professional development opportunities, said Kerri Dixon, assistant principal. “Although she juggles an extremely demanding workload of a myriad of grade levels courses, she volunteers to lead the 11th-grade English Professional Learning Community so that this group can benefit from her expertise and collaborative knowledge.”
“Every school has one of those teachers who everyone knows do a great jobs,” said Library Media Specialist Laura Younkin. “Mrs. McKelvy is one of those teachers at Ballard. She will not teach her students just the basics of English and have them read novels. She will love them and they come out of her class better students and better people.”
As an ExCEL Award winner, McKelvy will receive a $1,000 instructional grant.
Meghann Clem Mattingly, a health and wellness teacher at Cane Run Elementary School, has been awarded the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher last week during a ceremony at the school.
“Visiting Ms. Clem Mattingly’s classroom is a relaxing and rewarding experience,” said Cane Run Principal Kimberly Coslow. “Her creative teaching techniques enhance classroom learning, and she fosters academic success through mindful movement, self-regulation and focused attention, all through the lens of compassion.”
A leader with the Compassionate Schools Project (CSP) Professional Learning Community, she frequently collaborates with the University of Virginia’s CSP project director as well as the District’s CSP resource teacher and the school’s physical education teachers to ensure the unique CSP curriculum is implemented with fidelity. She has been featured in numerous national media outlets advocating for the project, including National Public Radio and the Christian Science Monitor.
“Meghann is a force to be dealt with,” said Heather Watson, a counselor with JCPS. “She exudes positive energy and calmness throughout the building. She is the compassionate vision of what we need to have in place for our students to thrive in life.”
In addition, she is a strong advocate for the school, serving as a member of the Site Based Decision Making Council, the Instructional Leadership Team and the Interview Committee, and regularly meeting with guests and community leaders about the CSP and its impact on her students. She is also the school lead for the American Heart Association fundraising initiative.
As an ExCEL Award winner, Clem Mattingly will receive a $1,000 instructional grant from LG&E KU.
Amy Hinton, a Carter Traditional Elementary School reading teacher, has been awarded the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher last week during a ceremony at the school.
“Mrs. Hinton is well-deserving of the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award,” Carter Principal Jamie Wyman said. “Her never-ending dedication to Carter’s students and families goes above and beyond at all times. Parents of the students she works with are deeply grateful for the positive impact she has on their child, as well as the guidance and support she offers them.”
Hinton has been instrumental in helping Carter reach its Third Grade Reading Pledge, assisting students in increasing their reading fluency and comprehension. In addition, she serves on multiple committees, including the Instructional Leadership Team and Site Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council. She is a Kentucky Teacher Internship (KTIP) mentor teacher, and participates in the first- and second-grade professional learning communities.
“Amy Hinton truly loves her job and every student she encounters,” said Melissa Silvano, a first-grade teacher at Carter, adding that Hinton’s ability to make learning fun and beneficial is only one of her many skills and talents. “Amy is determined, motivated and a true example of what an educator should be.”
As an ExCEL Award winner, Hinton will receive a $1,000 instructional grant from LG&E KU.
