Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) 2015 Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year Bridget Arnett - Finalist Special Education Resource and Co-Teaching Classroom Teacher 4 5 Grade Levels Building-wide PBIS Coach Program Review Committee Family Resource and Youth Services Center Advisory Council Member Grapevine Elementary School, Madisonville, KY Ann Elkins, Principal Ms. Arnett is the epitome of a special education teacher. She looks past the label of a child and sees the child as a personone that is capable of learning and being successful. Jennifer Valeriote, Teacher I have seen Bridget play a major role in changing the climate in our school to a fun, energetic, positive place to work. She has a compassionate heart for the most challenging students. I have become a better teacher by working alongside her and Im grateful to have her in our students lives. Vickie Mings, Teacher In her own time, Bridget searches and shares effective strategies that are research based to help our students in general and special education. I have watched her grow and perfect her craft of teaching special needs children. Kelly Teague - Finalist LBD/EBD 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th Grade Intermediate Level School-wide Peer Buddy Program Special Education Advisory Council Member Beta Club Sponsor Special Education Professional Learning Community Muhlenberg North Middle School, Greenville, KY Wendy Everly, Parent Her ability to manage, transition, and exhibit such versatility is to be commended. The proof is in her actions, her words of encouragement, her daily walk in the lives of her students, her determination to work progress within her students is of great value. Amy Luttrell, Teacher Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. When I read this quote from Budda, I thought of Kelly. She has a glow or passion for her students and others that comes from deep inside her soul Penny Gray, Parent Kelly is respectful, caring, warm, enthusiastic, supportive, and accessible. With her guidance, my son has developed a desire to succeed for his own personal gratification. Thats a skill that will carry him throughout many aspects of his future. Lori Tatum, Teacher Kelly is a natural fixture in the classroom. Shes very intuitive and routine is important. She catches, changes, and informs before a problem escalates. She has a calming nature and is good at problem solving together. Dana Roney - Finalist Positive Approach to Student Success (PASS) Coach District Site-based Council Member FCA Sponsor 2015 Green County Making a Difference Award Winner CEC National Yes I Can Sponsor Green County High School, Greensburg, KY Karen Marcum, Principal Dana is an impressive and outstanding person. She believes each student is worthy of all of her efforts to make a difference in their life- both in the academic and personal arenas. Dana is outstanding because she goes well over and above what is expected. Renee Kessler, Psychologist She sets the standard for great teaching and professionalism. Danas heart for kids and her desire to meet them where they are and push them towards excellence is unmatched. She makes everyone who crosses her path better just for having interacted with her. Rhonda Simpson, Director of Special Education Dana has an energy that is contagious! She is one of the most optimistic individuals that I have ever known- regardless of the situation. She is always smiling. Students ask to be placed into her classroom due to the support and encouragement that she provides. The 2015 Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year is