Two Morehead State University alumni semifinalists for Kentucky Teacher of the Year

Two graduates of the education program at Morehead State University (MSU) have been selected for the semifinal round of the 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award. A press release from the university profiles the two educators who both received their undergraduate and graduate degrees from MSU. Miranda Newland is a semifinalist in the elementary category and Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. is a semifinalist in the high school category. 

Newland teaches at Campbell Preschool in Raceland, KY, her hometown. She credits Morehead State University with guiding her on her career path. "I truly believe that MSU developed me holistically. They helped me recognize my true passion and learn the most effective teaching practices. MSU's teaching programs are unmatched in my opinion. You cannot beat the smaller class sizes, the brilliant professors, or the overall rigor of the program itself," Newland said.

When she heard the news of her nomination, Newland said she was surprised. "There are so many educators that are as equally or even more so deserving than myself of such an honor. I honestly completed the application out of respect for whoever took the time to nominate me. When I received the email that I had made it to the top 24, I was in complete disbelief. When they made additional cuts and I made it to the top 10, I cried. I cried because I am so thankful. I am thankful that someone thought so much of me to give me this chance," Newland explained, adding, "Now, all I want to do is make my tiny town and everyone else who has ever invested in me proud. I feel differently now than I did in the beginning. In the beginning, I was just thankful. Now that I've made it this far, I see how instrumental it could be to be named Kentucky Teacher of the Year. I would have the wonderful opportunity to advocate for my most passionate platforms in education-early childhood and special education."

Carver works at Montgomery County High School teaching French and English. His students earn dual credit through the MSU Eagle Scholars program. Carver stated in the press release from MSU that his instructors at the University prepared him to help students. "When a student says, 'I didn't know I could' or 'I never thought I could,' then I know I have done what I am here to do," Carver said.

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced the ten semifinalists in a press release early in August. Valvoline, based in Lexington, KY, sponsors the annual awards. The ten semifinalists, along with fourteen other nominees, were named 2022 Valvoline Teacher Achievement Award winners and will receive a certificate and cash award in a virtual ceremony on September 9. The three finalists will be named the 2022 Teacher of the Year Award recipients for their respective categories and go on to compete in the 2022 National Teacher of the Year competition. 

The KDE Commissioner of Education, Jason E. Glass, said of the semifinalists, "These award-winning educators represent more than 42,000 of their colleagues who have done anything and everything to serve their students and ensure learning during these unpredictable times. I congratulate them and thank all Kentucky teachers for their outstanding efforts."