LEAD Nelson

10/16/2026

Growth, leadership, and a commitment to shaping the future—meet our Year One LEAD Nelson Middle School Cohort! 🌟

These amazing 8th graders are taking their first steps toward exploring the teaching profession! Our future educators recently hit the ground running with:
📚 Professional Development on the "3 to See" framework led by our Nelson County Schools Instructional Design Leads
📍 Clinical Classroom Observations at Cox's Creek Elementary School (CCES) to see master teachers in action

We are so proud of these student leaders for exploring what it takes to inspire the next generation.

09/25/2026

Future Educators at work! 🍎

LEAD Nelson High School students leveled up their teaching skills today with the "3 to See" Framework! ✨

Our NCS District Instructional Leaders, Ms. Drakeford and Ms. Ice, led their exploration of high-leverage strategies to keep students thinking, participating, and thriving in the classroom. The future of education is bright with these high schoolers taking the lead! 📸

09/09/2026

Many people don't realize that Education is a CTE pathway. LEAD Nelson is truly leading the way through partnerships with NCS local schools giving our students real-world experiences in exploration of being an educator. Great appreciation goes to our certified teachers who open their classrooms to showcase their talent.

From Nelson County to Oxford, England, one Kentucky CTE student is helping show what teacher apprenticeship can do.

Nelson County High School senior MaKayla Burress recently shared her experience in the LEAD Nelson Teacher Apprentice Program with education leaders from across the United States. Burress has participated in the program since her freshman year and now spends each school day teaching first- and second-grade students at Cox’s Creek Elementary.

Having already finished her high school credits and earned two associate degrees, Burress says the hands-on experience has confirmed that teaching is where she belongs.

Nelson County Schools
Kentucky Department of Education
Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet

09/01/2026

LEAD Nelson parents and students: Join us for a special showcase of your child's hard work and rigor in our program.

- Cohort Showcase with Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Rucci
- Associates Degree Pathway with Mrs. Cundiff

Come let us celebrate your child and show you how we support them every step of the way!

WHEN: Thursday, September 3, 2026
TIME: 5:30-6:30pm
WHERE: Foster Heights Elementary (Media Center)

Please RSVP via Parent Square post by Thursday morning 9/3/26.

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

While summer usually brings thoughts of beach days and relaxation, our LEAD Nelson Adult Apprentices are fully invested in their professional growth. 🌟

They are currently participating in the Summer Leadership Institute, focusing on crucial educational pillars: Human Development, Classroom Culture and Management, Learning Design and Literacy, and Diverse Learners. Thank you all for your commitment to our students and community! 📚🍎

07/07/2026

Congratulations to LEAD Nelson's Noah Ward on his selection to serve on the 2026-2027 Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council (CSAC), which includes students from across the Commonwealth. The council meets with Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher, both in person and virtually, to discuss how state-level decisions affect students throughout Kentucky.

Thank you, Noah, for your willingness to serve by sharing your ideas and voice on issues that concern Kentucky’s students.

05/23/2026

🎓🎉 CONGRATULATIONS, ELISA PERRY! 🎉🎓

Tonight, we are celebrating a massive milestone as Elisa graduates from Nelson County High School! Along with throwing her cap in the air, Elisa is taking a huge step forward by officially transitioning from a youth apprentice to an adult apprentice.

Her Lead Nelson mentor, Mrs. Holt, shared these beautiful words about Elisa's incredible journey:

“Elisa has always been someone who pushes herself to grow, both as a student and as a leader in the classroom. Throughout her apprenticeship journey, she consistently challenged herself to step outside of her comfort zone, take initiative, and lead alongside her journeyman with confidence and compassion. Watching her balance learning, leadership, and genuine care for students has been such a rewarding experience. Her work ethic and passion for education are going to take her so far, and we have no doubt she will make an incredible impact in the lives of future students.”

Elisa, your courage to step out of your comfort zone and your natural leadership are going to make you an absolute force in the world of education.

We are so incredibly proud of you and honored to keep working with you as an adult apprentice!

Leave some love and congratulations for Elisa in the comments below! 👇👇👇🩵✨

05/22/2026

🎓🎉 HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO HUNTER HENDERSON! 🎉🎓

Tonight, we are bursting with pride as Hunter graduates from Thomas Nelson High School! But the celebrations don’t stop there—Hunter is officially transitioning from a youth apprentice to an adult apprentice, continuing his incredible journey.

To celebrate this milestone, his Lead Nelson mentor, Mrs. Holt, shared some incredibly powerful words about his time with us:

“Hunter’s journey is one that truly reflects perseverance, passion, and heart. Despite personal challenges this year, he never allowed his enthusiasm for teaching and working with students to fade. His consistency, positive attitude, and dedication to growing as an educator have been inspiring to watch. It has been an honor to witness the growth he has made both personally and professionally. We couldn’t be prouder of the person and future educator he is becoming. Congratulations, Hunter!”

Hunter, your resilience and dedication to your students inspire all of us every single day. We are so lucky to have you on our team, and we can't wait to watch you thrive in your adult apprenticeship!

Join us in showering Hunter with love and congrats in the comments below! 👇👇👇🩵✨✨

05/22/2026

The future is truly local—and incredibly bright—for Nelson County Schools!

A few weeks ago, we gathered for our Lead Nelson Celebration of Excellence, and what an unforgettable night it was! We are still bursting with pride for our amazing students and community members.

We got to honor the incredible dedication of everyone in our program, including:
- Our hardworking microcredential earners
- Our inspiring Leadership Institute completers
- Our skilled journeymen 🤝 And a warm welcome to the fresh faces joining our apprenticeship program!

Every single one of these individuals represents the growth, talent, and leadership that drives Nelson County forward.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. Check out some of our favorite moments from the night! 👇📸