Lindsay Johnson selected for Innovative Teacher Fellowship Program
Lindsay Johnson's (Class of 2011, 2018) love of school and teaching fuels her efforts with her students and even extends beyond the classroom. The English teacher at Rowan County Senior High School hopes she can do her part to make an impact.
"I want to do whatever I can to support and encourage this important work (public education) for my daughter, her classmates, her teachers, my colleagues, and my students,” she said.
Johnson is on her way to doing that based on her recent recognition. The Kentucky Innovative Learning Network (KY ILN) awarded her a place in the prestigious 2024-25 Innovative Teacher Fellowship Program. The fellowship is a Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) initiative in partnership with local school districts. It recognizes the state's top educators for their dedication to advancing innovative educational practices and classroom experiences.
Before receiving this honor, Johnson was honored to carry on an Eagle legacy by attending Morehead State University to pursue childhood dreams. The Morehead native comes from a long line of Eagle alumni like her father, John Ellis (Class of 1977) and grandfather, Dr. Jack Ellis (Class of 1957). It also includes her great-grandmother Dorothy Ellis (Class of 1937), whose diploma from the then-named Morehead State Teachers College adorns Johnson's classroom today.
Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching-English Teaching Area in 2011, a Master of Arts in Education-Teacher Leader Alternative Concentration in 2018 and is a Rank 1 National Board-Certified Teacher in English Language Arts Adolescent and Young Adulthood. She was happy to return to her high school alma mater to educate Rowan County students and has loved connecting to, challenging, and inspiring the next generation.
"Our classroom mission is that we create a joyful community where we learn how to learn, ask meaningful questions, and challenge the norm so that we leave better because of the time we have together," she said. "It is an honor to get to help them grow as critical thinkers, readers, and writers."
Johnson first learned about the Innovative Teacher Fellowship when KDE's Department of Innovation led training for her district. She gravitated toward the program because she believes that public education needs to change to meet students' needs.
As one of only 10 teachers selected for this year's Innovative Teacher Fellowship Program, Johnson will help design transformative learning experiences, foster educational innovation, and promote a shared vision under the KDE's United We Learn framework, which has the guiding principles of creating vibrant learning experiences, driving innovation, and building strong community partnerships.
"I have already loved the collaboration among the group of teachers chosen for this fellowship. I know that often I learn the most from other teachers, so I am honored to be in sessions with this outstanding group of motivated educators," she said. "I hope the projects we design, implement, and present are used throughout the state as creative ways to engage and inspire students and teachers."
For more information on the Volgenau College of Education, email ad.miller@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2845.
