After a competitive application process, 30 female educators have been selected for the first cohort of the Kentucky Women in Education Leadership (KWEL). Among the honored 30 is Auburn Assistant Principal Sarah Hatton. Applicants were chosen based on specific leadership criteria.
These leaders, along with 30 of the state’s top female executive educators, convened January 19-20 in Louisville for a leadership forum and induction ceremony.
KWEL is designed for women working in P-12 public education who are entering or advancing their careers. KWEL members will benefit from a support system, leadership development opportunities, career advancement, shared experiences through a network of on-going professional growth and development, coaching and mentoring, and reward and recognition of women who are exemplary leaders.
“KWEL is defining the future for women in public education while building on the foundation laid by the Kentucky Women in School Administration, which was KASA’s first women’s initiative in the 1980s and 1990s when few women held leadership positions in school districts,” said Rhonda Caldwell, Ed.D., KASA executive deputy director.
The KWEL forum brought generational leaders from both programs together for an extraordinary growth opportunity. Its purpose is three-fold. First, it gave women that are currently serving in an executive leadership role the opportunity to mentor other women aspiring to lead at the same level. Second, it supported women that aspire to lead but may need the confidence, courage and support to take the next step. Finally, this network can give all women serving in an executive leadership role an additional support system unique to the needs of women and the challenges they face.
The 2018 inductees are:
Kimble Best, Principal Boone County Schools
Christina Boone, Instructional Supervisor LaRue County Schools
Melissa Bowling, Teacher Greenup County Schools
Kendra Bronsink, Instructional Coach Daviess County Schools
Rhonda Callaway, Director Secondary Instruction Webster County Schools
Kim Chevalier, Assistant Superintendent Walton-Verona Ind. Schools
Tiffanie Clark, Director Special Education Nelson County Schools
Rebecca Custis, Teacher Jefferson County Schools
Ginger Estes, Assistant High School Principal Hancock County Schools
Kasey Farmer, Attendance Specialist Henderson County Schools
Kristie Gorman, Assistant Superintendent Perry County Schools
Amy Harris, Instructional Supervisor Williamstown Ind. Schools
Sarah Hatton, Assistant Elementary Principal Logan County Schools
Ellen Hoffman, Assistant High School Principal Clark County Schools
Althea Hurt, Elementary Principal Hardin County Schools
Tanya Jury, High School Principal Nelson County Schools
Stacy Kidwell, Elementary Principal Lewis County Schools
Holly Kimble, Coordinator Title I Mason County Schools
Emma Martin, Teacher Breckinridge County Schools
Kate McAnelly, Director Curriculum/Instruction Fayette County Schools
Milli McIntosh, Director Human Resources Simpson County Schools
Patrice Collins, Teacher Daviess County Schools
Tina Penley, Assistant High School Principal Somerset Ind. Schools
Devon Roberts, Assistant Elementary Principal Jefferson County Schools
Michelle Ruckdeschel, High School Principal Daviess County Schools
Hannah Scott, Instructional Supervisor Franklin County Schools
Sara Tucker, Instructional Supervisor Taylor County Schools
Jenny Watson, Assistant Superintendent Boone County Schools
Katie Webb, Elementary Principal Paintsville Ind. Schools
Holly Wood, Instructional Coordinator W