Several rural Kentucky schools are defying barriers to reading outcomes, fueled by teachers educated at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The 74, a nonprofit news organization, recently released the Top 5 Schools in Each State Beating the Odds in 3rd Grade Reading. All five of the Kentucky elementary schools listed are located in EKU’s service region, and more specifically, in counties or neighboring counties of EKU Regional Campuses in Manchester and Corbin. Several teachers at these schools earned their degrees from EKU.
“The results from classrooms with teachers trained at EKU are further proof of the quality of our School of Education, accessibility of our regional campuses and our ability to keep and place educators in rural communities,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Nearly 80% of EKU education graduates are employed in the state three years after graduation, leading among our state’s public institutions.”
The 74 reviewed data from nearly 42,000 schools across the country to identify “Bright Spots,” where third-grade literacy scores are much higher than expected based on the area’s poverty rates. The top 5 for Kentucky included: G.R. Hampton Elementary School in Knox County, McKee Elementary School in Jackson County, Sublimity Elementary School in Laurel County, Burning Springs Elementary School and Paces Creek Elementary in Clay County.
“A vast majority of the teachers at these five schools are graduates of EKU School of Education and are deeply committed to providing a quality education for students in Eastern Kentucky,” said Connie Hodge, EKU extended campuses education coordinator.
According to the analysis, Clay County has a poverty rate of 88%. The 74 expected Paces Creek Elementary to have 36% of third-grade students reading proficiently. Yet, its score was 79%.
“This recognition highlights the power of EKU’s regional campuses to open doors for future educators and strengthen the communities they serve,” said Terry Gray, EKU executive director of regional programming and stewardship. “Our graduates aren’t just filling classrooms, they’re changing lives.”
For Paces Creek Principal Aaron Asher, who earned both his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in instructional leadership from EKU, the recognition affirms the hard work of his staff and students.
“Poverty is a barrier, but not a final decision as to whether a student will be successful,” said Asher. “EKU taught me the value of believing in students and finding opportunities to engage them, while also pouring into my passion for education.”
Tonya Roberts, an EKU graduate with 14 years of teaching experience, serves as the school’s Save the Children coordinator, where she works with students to support literacy outcomes. Asher describes her as a top-notch educator and a passionate advocate for student learning.
Roberts completed her degree in her 30s, while balancing work and family. The EKU Manchester Regional Campus in her hometown allowed her to remain close to her family and complete coursework and student teaching in the same community where she now serves. That experience strengthened her commitment to the region she calls home and her desire to make a difference for Kentucky students.
“The most meaningful aspect of my job is helping and interacting with students,” said Roberts. “I know I’m doing something right when I see students use a kind voice, encourage each other and teach their classmates the material. When they believe in themselves, that means everything to me.”
EKU Corbin and Manchester Regional Campuses offer general education requirements, as well as full degree programs in fields including elementary education and middle grades education.
The education programs prepare teachers to lead a rural classroom with expert faculty, hands-on learning experiences and student teaching placements in the community—empowering classrooms and students across the Commonwealth.
By: Jake Hall
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