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SubscribeCaroline King, an Audubon Traditional Elementary School kindergarten teacher, is the second recipient of the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award for 2017. 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.
“Ms. King is a wonderful kindergarten teacher who models integrity, respect, creativity and accountability,” Audubon Principal Tiffany Marshall said. “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.”
Ms. King is active in the Audubon community beyond the classroom. In addition to serving as kindergarten team leader, she supports the school technology team; provides schoolwide professional developments throughout the year; and attends math and reading professional development sessions from the district and other math organizations to continually improve and become an even better teacher.
And she has earned accolades for her work, winning the JCPS School of Innovation Design Competition from the Louisville Reach Academy in 2014, and being voted ‘Best Presentation’ at the Indiana Southeast University Student Conference in 2012.
“Ms. King has a passion for teaching and helping students realize their full potential by creating a safe and engaging learning environment that inspires students to excel,” said Audubon counselor Robin Divine. “Her positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning enhances the Audubon Traditional School environment.”
As an ExCEL Award winner, King will receive a $1,000 instructional grant from LG&E KU.
Tim Holman, a duPont Manual High School government and politics teacher, is the first recipient of the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award for 2017. 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.
“Mr. Holman is an outstanding teacher who demonstrates many unique talents and innovative teaching techniques in the classroom,” Manual Principal Jerry Mayes said. “He is a valuable asset and resource to our school and community. The wonderful thing about having Tim as a colleague is that I am able to teach with an outstanding educator who is passionate about fostering democratic beliefs, values and skills in students.”
During his time at Manual, Holman has organized forums with political candidates, brought in speakers and provided his students with the opportunity to visit the State Capitol. In fact, Holman has been recognized by the Kentucky Senate for going “beyond the call of duty to provide vital educational opportunities and experiences.” Students in his classes have also had the opportunity to see political leaders such as Chief Justice John Roberts, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Vice President Joe Biden and Senator John McCain.
Holman also has served in several leadership roles at Manual, including magnet liaison, School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council member, and sponsor of the Young Democrats and Teenage Republicans. Additionally, he has been the Manual cross-country and track coach for years, leading his players to the state championship in 2016. He also served as the girls’ basketball coach during Manual’s three consecutive trips to the Kentucky Sweet 16 Tournament, which included a state championship.
“He showed several students the path of being more than they thought they could be,” said Portia Wright, a Ballard High School teacher and former colleague. “I watched him effectively take students in his class and encourage them to run for him, which enabled him to earn a different type of respect and admiration. This made them want to work harder for him in the classroom.”
Before teaching at Manual, Holman was a social studies teacher at Meyzeek Middle School. He was later selected by the Center for Civic Education and Engagement at the University of Louisville to work for one year developing curriculum and working on professional development,
As an ExCEL Award winner, Holman will receive a $1,000 instructional grant from LG&E KU.
