Monthly Newsletter

May 2023

Message From Audrey

Thank you to everyone for coming to the April convening and engaging in the important work that we are doing!

Over the two days of our convening, I saw passion, curiosity and empathy driving our learning. By connecting with each other and listening to the experiences of our neighbors, we recommitted to the heart of Kentucky United We Learn.

As we work on our new BHAGs, keep the four innovative habits at the front and let them guide you.

Congratulations to our Newly Elected Chair and Vice Chair

Audrey Gilbert 2023-2024 Chair  Audrey Gilbert is a senior at Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent) and an education advocate. She is the school climate audit co-lead and the Measurement, Assessment and Accountability lead for the Kentucky Student Voice Team. She has served as an Educators Rising National Student Ambassador, founded the chapter at her school, and now serves as the state president for Kentucky. Gilbert will be pursuing a career in education after attending Bellarmine University for her undergraduate degree. In her free time, she loves to read, crochet, watch television and play with her dogs.   "Serving as the interim chair over the past few months has given me a unique opportunity to lead and connect with passionate people from across the state," Gilbert said. "I am honored to continue organizing, communicating with and learning from the council on topics of innovative and deeper learning. "My time as interim chair has shown me how important an active stakeholder voice is in this kind of democratic process. As the chair, I will ensure that we maintain and improve our processes of empathy, inclusion, co-creation and reciprocity. Thank you for putting your faith in me and in the work that we are doing!"

Sarah Hatton 2023-2024 Vice Chair  Sarah Hatton is the director of secondary instruction for Adair County Schools. Her 22-year public education career includes 15 years of classroom teaching experience at both the elementary and middle school levels, along with school and district administration. Focused on reading and creating engaging learning for all students, she is a graduate of Logan County High School and resides in Bowling Green with her husband and their four children.  "As an educator, a parent and a citizen of the Commonwealth, I am committed to seeing that all students have the best education possible, setting them up for not only their own success, but also the continued success of our unique communities across Kentucky," Hatton said. "When I applied for the KUWL Council, I wanted to bring my passion for improving teaching and learning to the table, but also foster a broader sense of community, to develop innovative and effective solutions to the challenges facing the education system. I truly believe that a solid public education is the best equity tool towards fulfilling the promises of our nation. "As vice chair, I will continue listening and learning from the wide variety of stakeholders this council has brought together, to serve as your voice, by practicing the habits we have committed to cultivate: inclusion, empathy, co-creation and reciprocity. With our shared expertise, we will create a new way forward for Kentucky, leveraging the diverse perspectives and creativity of everyone involved."

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