Meet one of Barren County Schools’ Teachers of the Year, Whitney Curd

BARREN COUNTY, Ky.- Every year, teachers are honored for their consistent dedication to shaping young minds.

This year, Barren County Schools recognized several educators who go beyond just teaching students—they also serve as mentors. One such teacher is Whitney Curd, a fifth-grade writing teacher, who was selected as one of the 11 outstanding educators. We had the opportunity to sit down with Whitney and learn about the impact she is making on the lives of teachers and students alike.

According to Curd, the key to effective teaching is building strong relationships with students.

“The number one thing is building a relationship with kids,” she explains. “Students aren’t going to learn from teachers they don’t like, and they’re not going to learn from teachers who don’t have their best interest at heart.”

For Curd, fostering these connections comes before teaching, as she believes it lays the foundation for effective learning.

Barren County Schools celebrates the dedication and passion of educators like Curd, who are truly making a difference. The teachers that were recognized:

• Amanda Meadows – Elementary Teacher of the Year, Eastern Elementary
• Katie Jo Earls – Middle School Teacher of the Year, Barren County Middle School
• Sarah Vetter – Visual & Performing Arts Teacher of the Year, Barren County Middle School
• John Bradshaw – Exceptional Education Teacher of the Year, Eastern Elementary
• Alison Prichard – Literacy Teacher of the Year, Trojan Academy
• Logan Brooks – Diversity Teacher of the Year, Barren County High School
• Amanda Wright – High School Teacher of the Year, Barren County High School
• Andy Joe Moore – Innovative Teacher of the Year, Barren County High School
• Whitney Curd – Teacher Mentor of the Year, Teacher Mentor of the Year
• Nick Compton – Physical Education/Health Teacher of the Year, Barren County High School
• Erica Shaw – Preschool Teacher of the Year, Red Cross Elementary