What an incredible day of celebration! On April 29th, we gathered at the Bullitt County Board of Education for the BCPS Teacher Apprenticeship Recognition event. As we wrap up “Teacher Appreciation Week”, there is no better way to honor the profession than by celebrating those who are answering the call to lead our future classrooms.
Under our "Growing Our Own" initiative, we are not just teaching, we are cultivating the next generation of world-class educators right here at home. This event was a powerful testament to how BCPS is “Moving Forward”, showcasing how we empower our students to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Celebrating Our Apprentices and Mentors
The heart of this program is the bond between our dedicated apprentice teachers and their mentors. We are so proud of the hard work and passion these pairs have shown:
Chloe Whitaker & Mentor Rachelle Elam
Alyssa Hurst & Mentor Grace Wirth
Ireland McGinty & Mentor Julie Hall
Olivia White & Mentor Chrissy Procter
Sophia Heeke & Mentor Sheryl Figg
Zoie French & Mentor Tammy Hornak
Laurynn Smith & Mentor Alicia Vorster
Paityn Lindsey & Mentor Cameron Mcfarland
Clara Wicker & Mentor Melissa Hopkins
A special highlight of the event included inspiring presentations by Zoie French and Ireland McGinty, who shared their personal stories in "The Bridge to the Classroom: My Journey as a BCPS Apprentice".
A Collaborative Success
This pathway is made possible through strong partnerships that believe in the future of Bullitt County. A huge thank you to:
The University of Louisville (UofL): Special thanks to Dr. Charles Rains, Dr. Stefanie Wooten-Burnett, Dean Tabitha Greer-Reed, and Dr. Justin Cooper from the UofL team for their leadership in academic excellence and teacher preparation.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE): We appreciate the support of Mary Taylor, LeeSa M. Page, and Dr. Veda Stewart in championing workforce development and apprenticeship.
Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC): Thank you to Bruce Jost and Juanita Cooper for your vital role in this journey.
From the welcome by Dr. Lee Barger, BCPS Director of College & Career Readiness and Innovation, to the district leadership address by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Usher, the message was clear: our apprentices are a vital part of our community’s success.
We are so proud of these future educators for their commitment to our students and our schools. Together, we keep Moving Forward!
#BCPS #MovingForward #TeacherAppreciationWeek #GrowOurOwn #TeacherApprenticeship #FutureEducators