KEDC Grants

08/25/2026

Rockcastle County Middle School students were welcomed back by their GEAR UP ELEVATE Success Coaches during Open House! Students stopped by the booth to learn about upcoming events and test their knowledge with a quick college and career game.

08/25/2026

📚💡 Passport to Learning Teacher Leader Spotlight: Trena Kerns

For Trena Kerns, Library Media Specialist at Northern Elementary in Pulaski County, technology isn’t just something to add to a lesson—it can amplify learning.

That mindset has been one of Trena’s biggest takeaways from Passport to Learning. Through sessions exploring digital tools, she has found new ways to use technology intentionally to encourage inquiry, critical thinking, and deeper learning. It’s also reignited her own curiosity and willingness to try new approaches.

Trena describes her grant experience as inspiring, and she’s turning that inspiration into leadership. As a KEDC Leadership Cohort Member, Diffit Certified Educator, School Technology Coordinator, and Digital Learning Coach, she regularly shares what she learns through short PLC sessions, monthly resource emails, and one-on-one support for colleagues.

The experience has also reinforced something Trena wants her students to see: curiosity starts with the educator. If we want students to ask questions, explore, and take risks in their learning, we have to be willing to model that ourselves.

💬 “Because of this grant, I now feel more empowered to model, share strategies, and support my colleagues in their instructional growth.”

We’re proud to have Trena as part of Passport to Learning and to see her turn new learning into something that reaches far beyond her own library!

08/24/2026

08/21/2026

💙✨ Passport to Learning Teacher Leader Spotlight: Janette Slaven

For Janette Slaven, a Special Education Teacher at Shopville Elementary in Pulaski County, Passport to Learning has been a reminder that teachers don’t have to grow alone.

Janette describes her grant experience as amazing, particularly because of the support, resources, and opportunities for professional growth she has received. This year, she earned her Diffit Educator Certification and became a KEDC Leadership Cohort Member.

That learning isn’t staying with Janette. She regularly shares new resources with her school’s curriculum specialist and fellow teachers, helping more educators—and ultimately more students—benefit from the opportunities provided through the grant.

Most of all, the experience has left Janette excited about what’s ahead.

We’re proud to have Janette as part of Passport to Learning and love seeing that support turn into renewed excitement, shared resources, and continued growth!

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

🇺🇸✨ Passport to Learning Teacher Leader Spotlight: Tracy Saylor

For Tracy Saylor, a teacher at Right Fork School Center in Bell County, one of the biggest takeaways from Passport to Learning has been realizing that meaningful progress matters more than simply collecting grades.

Through the grant, Tracy has become more intentional about using formative checks and evidence of student growth to guide her instruction. That shift toward student-centered learning, paired with new materials, technology, and resources, has opened the door to more engaging learning experiences for her students.

Tracy describes the experience as empowering—affirming that teachers’ ideas matter and that educators can lead innovation that creates meaningful change. She has earned her Diffit Educator Certification and is extending her learning by collaborating with colleagues and providing professional learning in small-group settings.

The experience has also strengthened Tracy as a teacher leader, helping her communicate ideas, welcome feedback, and build shared ownership around new initiatives.

💬 “Because of this grant, I now have access to materials and technology that enhance classroom engagement and learning outcomes for my students.”

We’re excited to see Tracy continue turning new ideas into opportunities for students while sharing that learning with others along the way!

08/18/2026

Members of the KEDC Grants Team were excited to spend the day with Williamsburg Independent Schools for Jacket Palooza!

Our team shared sessions on vibrant learning, EdTech, leadership, trauma-informed classrooms, art therapy, writing, and more—all focused on practical ideas educators can take back to their classrooms.

Thank you, Williamsburg Independent, for having us! We enjoyed learning, sharing, and connecting with your educators!

08/17/2026

🚀 Launching into a new school year with EdTech!

KEDC Grants Team member Jamie Saylor was honored to present at Rockcastle County Schools’ 2026 Rocket Launch PD Day!

During her session, Jamie shared EdTech tools and practical ways teachers can use them to create engaging learning experiences and save a little time along the way.

Thank you, Rockcastle County Schools, for the opportunity to spend the day learning and sharing with your educators! 🚀💻

08/17/2026

🇺🇸✨ Passport to Learning Teacher Leader Spotlight: Brian Frederick

For Brian Frederick, a teacher at Knox County Middle School, Passport to Learning has been rejuvenating—giving him an opportunity to refresh his leadership skills and reconnect with his purpose as an educator.

As a KEDC Leadership Cohort Member, Brian has focused on becoming more intentional and student-centered in his practice. The strategies and experiences he has gained through the grant are helping him create lessons that are more engaging, responsive to student needs, and reflective of the different ways students learn.

Brian also shares what he learns with his PLC, bringing new ideas and resources back to fellow educators at his school.

Most importantly, Brian says the KEDC Grants experience has helped him rediscover his “WHY” and renewed his enthusiasm for professional growth and teaching.

💬 “Because of this grant, I now have the resources and opportunities to enhance student learning through engaging materials, innovative technology, and hands-on experiences that were not previously possible in my classroom.”

We’re proud to celebrate Brian’s renewed energy, continued growth, and commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences for his students!

08/13/2026

🎨✨ Renaissance Teacher Leader Spotlight: Caitlin Salyer

For Caitlin Salyer, an elementary STEAM teacher at Paintsville Independent Schools, Renaissance has been revolutionary—shifting the way she thinks about the arts, collaboration, and what’s possible in her classroom.

This grant year, Caitlin was selected for the Kentucky Innovative Teacher Fellowship, earned her Diffit Educator Certification, and became a KEDC Leadership Cohort Member. Through Renaissance, she has explored museums both in person and virtually, learned from experts in the arts and education, and gained new perspectives that influence how she creates learning experiences for her students.

That learning is making its way directly into her STEAM classroom. Caitlin is finding new ways to integrate multiple subjects into a single lesson, collaborate with other teachers, and make meaningful connections across content areas. She also regularly shares what she’s learning with colleagues through PLCs and everyday conversations.

For Caitlin, being surrounded by educators who share her enthusiasm for engaging students has been just as valuable as the new ideas and resources.

💬 “Because of this grant, I now do a better job of integrating multiple subjects in one lesson.”

We’re proud to celebrate Caitlin’s accomplishments and the creativity, collaboration, and fresh thinking she brings to her students and school community!