Kentucky Connected Educator Day 9

Pennye Rogers, Hope Street Group Fellow

 Todd County Central High School

Elkton, Kentucky

In what way (s) are you a connected educator?

I  am connected through National organizations, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and through professional networks. I try to make some time each day to stay connected to other educators in order to keep up with relevant issues and opportunities.  KEA also keeps me informed about professional development and leadership opportunities to promote effective teaching. 

How does being connected impact your practice? 

Being connected provides a network of experts to offer advice or to keep me informed about topics relevant to my job.  I learn from professionals in my networks and sometimes share my own experiences to help others. 

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

Being connected provides many opportunities for real discourse that shapes the way I teach.  I have learned about and participated in opportunities through my network that allowed me to provide my students with classroom materials that my school budget could not afford.  I have been active in grant work that trained me in specific strategies to actively engage students for enhanced learning. 

What advice or resources would you recommend to colleagues interested in becoming connected?

 I would encourage all new teachers to become involved in professional organizations such as content-specific groups and KEA.  Connect with teachers you meet through professional development opportunities and take time regularly to stay connected through meaningful discourse.

Pennye Rogers has been in education at the secondary level for 24 years. She currently teaches High School Physics, Anatomy/Physiology, Chemistry, and Biology while also serving as the Science Department Chair at Todd County Central High School in Elkton, Kentucky. Pennye has a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a minor in Mathematics, a Master’s degree in Biology Education, and a Rank I in Physics Education from Western Kentucky University. Pennye earned her National Board Certification in AYA Science with emphasis on Biology. She has worked with the Kentucky Educators Association (KEA) National Board Jump Start program for 5 years. She is a member of the Kentucky Science Teacher Association (KSTA) and Delta Kappa Gamma teacher sorority, a board member of the Kentucky Association of School Councils (KASC), and a former member of the state School Curriculum, Accountability, and Assessment Council. Pennye is married with three children and is expecting her first grandchild this year. She lives on a cattle farm and raises most of her own food.