Morehead State University's high-quality academic programs are known for consistently producing some of the best educators in the state. A recent graduate of the Volgenau College of Education has been recognized for his work in special education.
The Outstanding Children's Council recently selected Stephanie Hammonds (Class of 2022), an outstanding children's instructor with the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Corps in Paintsville, was named 2023 Special Education Teacher of the Year. She received this honor at the State Council for Outstanding Children conference in Louisville.
A native of Topmost and now living in Oil Springs, Hammonds' path to special education began after she discovered her passion while working with students with dyslexia after graduation.
“This was the first time an educator noticed my efforts and made me feel like I had a purpose and mattered,” Hammond said. “I started teaching that fall knowing 100% that one day I would be a special education teacher and every student who walked into my classroom would leave knowing how special they were and how important they were. I did.”
A first-generation college student, Ms. Hammonds earned her bachelor's degree in learning behavior disorders (LBD) from Pikeville College (now Pikeville University) in 1994 and will enroll at MSU for Rank II certification in 2022. Did. This program provided sufficient preparation. and the flexibility needed to continue education while raising a family.
“MSU has helped me become the educator I am today by constantly challenging me,” Hammons said. “I enjoyed the field experience and got to see the true nature of some of the best teachers in the state, and I incorporated the strengths I observed into my own teaching practice.”
“Stephanie is an outstanding student at MSU, and her professional accomplishments reflect her leadership and caring personality,” said Dr. April Miller, dean of the Ernst and Sarah Lane Wolgenau College of Education. said. “We are very proud that she was recognized as Special Education Teacher of the Year by the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children (KCEC).”
She has worked for the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps for the past two years. Previously, she taught as an LBD instructor at Paintsville High School, Betsy Lane Elementary School, Betsy Lane High School, and Adams Middle School in Floyd County.
Now in her 30th year of teaching, Hammons said she plans to cherish the rest of her teaching career and invest just as much time, effort and energy into her students.
“The best part of being a special education teacher is always being able to play a small part in helping students reach their individual potential and goals,” she said. “The most rewarding part of my job is the people I work with and the privilege of witnessing their individual successes.”
For more information about MSU's Ernst & Sarah Wolgenau College of Education and its programs, call 606-783-2162 or email ad.miller@moreheadstate.edu.
Photo: Stephanie Hammond, a Distinguished Child Instructor at Carl D. Perkins Job Corps in Paintsville, was recently named the 2023 Special Education Teacher of the Year by the Council for Distinguished Children. Photo courtesy of her KEDC Special Ed on X/Twitter.
