Submitted
Last fall, Hamilton Southeastern Schools (HSE) shared the news that with the support of National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) training, HSE achieved a record 96 percent IREAD pass rate in early literacy. This important investment continues to drive strong teacher performance, student retention, and gains across all grade levels.
Attending the NIET national conference is an important part of that partnership. This year, 26 HSE educators have the opportunity to attend the conference in the spring. This continues the three-year plan to provide this professional development opportunity to instructional leaders from all HSE elementary and intermediate schools.
This year’s attendees include key educators in the schools like the district teacher of the year and HSE’s own NIET fellow, an incredible honor for the district and one who attends the conference at no cost to HSE.
The full list of attendees includes:
- Danielle Fetters Thompson, Administration
- Will Hurst, Administration
- Erin Mohr, Administration
- Matt Kegley, Administration
- Jason Urban, Administration
- Trice Black, Deer Creek Elementary
- Melissa Bock, Deer Creek Elementary
- Danielle Chastain, Deer Creek Elementary
- Alex Anderson, Fall Creek Intermediate
- Kim Day, Fall Creek Intermediate
- Tim Hull, Fall Creek Intermediate
- Michael Teal, Fall Creek Intermediate
- Jennifer Dickerson, Geist Elementary
- Lynn Laffey, Geist Elementary
- Therisa Seymour, Geist Elementary
- Tina Johnson, Lantern Road Elementary
- John Sponsel, Lantern Road Elementary
- Danielle Thompson, Lantern Road Elementary
- Michelle Bunnell, Sand Creek Intermediate
- Sara Cherry, Sand Creek Intermediate
- Brice Willey, Sand Creek Intermediate
- Megan Busch, Southeastern Elementary
- Michelle Faulkner, Southeastern Elementary
- Trae Heeter, Southeastern Elementary
- Nicole Kaminski, Southeastern Elementary
- Rachael Powell, Southeastern Elementary
Mapes
HSE is especially proud of Superintendent Patrick Mapes, who has been selected as this year’s Strand Keynote Speaker for the conference. His award-winning career in education includes more than 35 years leading school districts like HSE and Perry Township Schools. Having one of HSE’s own on the national stage is a tremendous opportunity to share the Schools’ story with districts from across the country.
This focused investment helps retain great teachers, maintain stability, and attract families who value results and ensure HSE’s future stability, supporting enrollment and funding in the student-count system. It is careful, responsible stewardship that honors educators, maximizes every dollar, and delivers lasting excellence for the community.