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Monthly Newsletter
December 2023
Welcome to the Kentucky United We Learn Council monthly newsletter!
As the United We Learn initiative progresses, it is imperative that we maintain transparent communication with the public regarding our ongoing endeavors. This newsletter will offer comprehensive coverage of the council's activities, highlight the significant contributions of the three standing committees and feature introductions to the esteemed council members. Further information about the annual Fall and Spring gatherings, as well as access to recorded committee meetings, can be found on our official website.
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Message From Council Chair
Audrey Gilbert
As we approach the end of this calendar year, it's essential to take a moment to reflect on the milestones we've achieved together. Our collective dedication and unwavering commitment have propelled us forward, making significant strides in our shared mission. Through collaborative efforts and relentless determination, we've seen progress that reflects our passion for an innovative education system.
However, this reflection isn't just about celebrating our accomplishments; it's about using them as fuel for the journey ahead. Let's channel this momentum and energy into the coming year, embracing new challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm. With each step forward, we reaffirm our commitment to empathy, inclusion, co creation, and reciprocity.
Together, let's embark on the next phase of our journey, inspired by our achievements, and fueled by the passion that drew us to the Kentucky United We Learn Council work.
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Message From Council Vice Chair
Penny Christian
More Than A Holiday
At our November convening, the council carved out some necessary celebration time. What was there to celebrate? So very much. It was a time to acknowledge that each member of the council is dedicated to this work; the children of the Commonwealth can count on us to do what is best for them. Cupcakes and “KUWL-aid” were enjoyable, but the real significance was in the fellowshipping. Side conversations where stakeholders from various groups encouraged each other, and thanked one another for being a part of something so important.
So, as we all take time to decompress, it is my hope that, however you choose to do it, you fellowship. Family, friends, pets …encourage one another. Say thank you.
Enjoy your time away from the work. We look forward to seeing you in January.
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Accelerating Innovation Standing Committee:
The Kentucky United We Learn Council’s Accelerating Innovation Standing Committee (AISC) met virtually on Monday, Dec. 4. Members heard updates about the progress that was made during workstream groups at the November Kentucky United We Learn Council convening. A draft six-month goal and format for a proposal was presented for members to review and provide feedback. Meeting logistics were reviewed for the upcoming months and ideas were shared for cross committee collaboration. The next AISC meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
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Upcoming Meeting Dates:
Accelerating Innovation - Monday, Jan. 8, 2024
Bold New Future - Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024
Vibrant Learning Experiences - TBD
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Meet the Council Members
Susan Cintra
Committee: Vibrant Learning Experiences
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Susan Cintra is a high school English teacher with 19 years of teaching experience. She has been a leader in the educational technology realm and has shared her work with tech and project-based learning initiatives at several national conferences. Most recently, Cintra served as the chair of the Kentucky Department of Education's Teacher Advisory Council. She is also the president of the Madison County Education Association, the vice-chair of the Kentucky Education Association's (KEA's) Government Relations Committee and former chair of the KEA Teaching and Learning Committee. Cintra believes that education is the answer to all of the issues facing Kentucky and creating a system that is equitable and innovative to fit the needs for our future must be a priority. |
Hannah Edelen
Committee: Bold New Future
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Hannah Edelen is a first-generation college graduate. She attended Northern Kentucky University (NKU), where she studied communications and history. During her time at NKU, Edelen served as the student body president and member on the board of regents. Following NKU, she received her master’s in education policy from the University of Kentucky while working as a 6th-grade social studies and English teacher through Teach for America. Edelen serves as a school board member for the Covington School Board of Education.
She believes every child deserves an excellent education and uses her platform as Miss Kentucky 2022 to advocate and promote education.
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Suzanne Farmer
Committee: Accelerating Innovation
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Suzanne Farmer is a National Board Certified early childhood educator. Her experience as a teacher was focused in preschool, kindergarten, special education and math intervention. As a math interventionist, she was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching by the National Science Foundation and President Barack Obama. She served as the director of the Kentucky Network to Transform Teaching, a grant project that innovated using the National Board resources for professional learning, from 2014 to 2018. In that role, she was the liaison with national, state and local partners including the National Board to test and accelerate innovation. Farmer is the principal of Hogsett Primary School (Danville Independent) and chair of the Commissioner’s Principal Advisory Council. |
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Susan R. Strange
Strategic Plan Program Manager
Strategic Planning & Research
Office of the Commissioner
CGSA Project Manager
Division of Innovative Learning
Office of Continuous Improvement and Support
Phone: (502) 564-2002, ext. 4014
Email: susan.strange@education.ky.gov
300 Sower Blvd. – 5th floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
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