Kentucky Connected Educator Pennye Rogers

Pennye Rogers  Todd County High School

In what ways are you a connected educator?

I am a connected educator in that I make use of social media such as LinkedIn, facebook and twitter to connect with educators and policy makers across the state and nation. I am a blog facilitator for the Great Public Schools (GPS) network that reaches teachers nationwide.  I network through organizations to which I belong such as KEA, NEA, Hope Street Group, and other professional organizations. Contacts with local universities help me to keep up with opportunities for myself and my students.

How does being connected impact your practice in schools/classroom?

Being connected allows me to focus on issues important to education and to be able to prepare myself and my students to meet the challenges that face us. Connection promotes networking so that I not only have the most current information about legislative issues but about decisions that affect my classroom and my teaching.  For example, I receive the latest information about requirements/changes of PGES, program reviews, state testing, and leadership opportunities for myself and for my students. This gives me the knowledge and incentive to change my teaching practice to better fit the needs of my students for success in college and career.

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

The most important aspect of connection is the networking with other professionalsl deeply involved in education reform.  Not only do I find out about important educational concerns, but I can share those concerns with colleagues and encourage teacher voice to positively impact legislative decisions affecting teachers and students of KY.  It allows my small county to have a voice in the big picture so that teachers and administrators are proactive rather than reactive. Connection builds community and a shared focus across the state regardless of the size of the school or community.

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

I would advise any teacher to join professional organizations that serve to build up the teaching profession and enhance student achievement.  Whether the teacher is actively involved or not, membership in these organizations such as KEA, Hope Street Group, Center for Teaching Quality, etc., promote the spread of the relevant educational information that will grow any educational program and enhance teacher leadership just by sharing the information with other like-minded colleagues. Also, I would recommend that every teacher look into National Board Certification as a means to not only enhance his/her own effective teaching but to build personal leadership capacity. My National Board Certification has opened so many doors to leadership opportunities that have helped to shape me as a teacher leader and education advocate.

Bio:  I teach High School Science classes (this year Physics and Anatomy) at Todd County Central High School. I am currently in my 26th year! Through hard work and dedication, my colleagues and I have elevated our school to the distinguished level for the past 2 years. I am the SBDM vice chair, serve as department chair, work with KEA’s National Board Jump Start Program, sit on the KASC Board of Directors, am a Kentucky Innovative Teacher Leader, the NEA GPS network blog facilitator for the NBCT group , and the choir director of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville.

In my spare time, I live on a farm in the country and enjoy reading, gardening, home canning, and being outdoors. I am married with 3 children and have 1 beautiful granddaughter.