Katie Punsly – TKY Cohort 2015
Raja Kaur – TKY Cohort 2011
Kevin Daley – TKY Cohort 2012
“The big thing that separated Teach Kentucky from the competition was the family-like atmosphere that it brings. Once you come, you’re family (there aren’t many other programs where you call the Director by their first name and eat dinner at their house a couple times a year). The cohort design and living in the dorms for the first month really helped solidify TKY as a group of friends and a support group, which made it a lot easier to move hundreds of miles away from any friends or relatives. “
Katie Gibbons – TKY Cohort 2015
“With the help of Teach Kentucky, I have been granted the incredible privilege of waking up each morning to empower young women through education. Teach Kentucky has provided me the necessary tools to positively impact not only my students, but their children, as well. I strive each day to model for my students the importance of education, while each of them, in turn, models for me the unyielding power of a mother’s love.”
Rianna Das – TKY Cohort 2014
“Over the last three years, I have transformed from a college student responsible for only myself to an experienced teacher who guides over 100 students each day. This would not have been possible without the help of Teach Kentucky. The support network that it provides and the connections I have made through the organization have given me an opportunity to succeed in many areas of my career. I have joined committees that influence teachers and students across the district, become a leader in my school, and have challenged myself to take on other roles to connect with my students, such as coaching soccer and sponsoring the Quick Recall Team. It’s almost surreal to think back to a couple of years ago when I was a first year teacher just beginning. I can undoubtedly contribute much of my success to my belonging to Teach Kentucky and I am so grateful for its community and unwavering support.”
Paul Barnwell – TKY Cohort 2004
“In the midst of my 13th year in education, I’m serving in a hybrid teaching role, meaning I split my time between teaching English at Fern Creek High School and working on special projects the other half of my time. I’m leading two initiatives: JCPSVoice and What’s the Story? Louisville Youth Community Wellness Advocates. JCPSVoice is all about expanding teacher-led professional learning opportunities in digital spaces, and What’s the Story? is a Project-Based Learning course we’re piloting with students and educators from Fern Creek, Manual, and Central High Schools! Needless to say, professional life is busy and fulfilling–Louisville has been a great place to create and embrace professional opportunities over the years. I am so grateful to Teach Kentucky for bringing me here!”
Kate Porfilio – TKY Cohort 2016
“Venturing out on your own is going to be difficult regardless of the path you choose. After college, I chose TKY because of the fantastic support system and ongoing mentorship. I know this community will be my family for years to come.”
Adam Togami – TKY Cohort 2016
“Teach Kentucky’s greatest attribute is its powerful support system. I can honestly say that I probably wouldn’t have had a chance in priority schools as a first year teacher without the enormous amount of support provided by TKY and the other teachers in the program.”
Elaine Zhou – TKY Cohort 2016
“I have wanted to be a middle school English teacher ever since I met my 8th grade English teacher, Mrs. Kloehn. She transformed the way in which I interacted with books; instead of reading to escape the world, I learned to use my love of my reading to engage more deeply with the world around me. I chose Teach Kentucky because of how awesome Louisville is as a city and because of the intense and relentless support the program provides.”
