By Jonathan Coffman
NKyTribune intern
A Kentucky high school teacher who weds innovative technology with passion in his classroom won a new award that honors a former governor, congressman and U.S. senator.
Timothy Peterson, a Taylor County High School teacher, received the 2015 Earle C. Clements Innovation and Education Award.
The National Archives and the University of Kentucky Libraries Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center presented the inaugural award to Peterson at the University of Kentucky in Lexington Wednesday, July 8.
Peterson, who has taught social studies for 26 years, said he was excited to learn he would be honored.
“I was ecstatic,” Peterson said. “I’ve won some awards, but this is by far the most prestigious and meaningful one.”
Deirdre Scaggs, co-director of the Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center, said Peterson won this award because he embodied the spirit of this award.
“His passion and commitment to increasing student awareness of the importance of public service was clear through his nomination packet,” Scaggs said. “The letters of support that came from his students also deeply impacted the decision.”
The Clements Award recipient has taught at Taylor County High School for the past five years, where he also coaches basketball. Peterson began teaching in 1989 at Jessamine County High School. He also taught at Marion County High School before moving to Taylor County High School in 2010.
Peterson has used technology to facilitate learning in his classroom. Each of his students uses a laptop, which allows creativity for test taking and assigning group projects.
Students take Peterson’s tests online. They are given a window of time to take the exam, allowing them the flexibility to take tests at convenient hours. Peterson said the students have responded positively in class to the freedom it allows them.
Technology has helped Peterson create a connection for better grades, but interpersonal relations create the real bond with students, he said.
“I try to get to know them,” Peterson said. “I want to ask personal questions about their day. I need to know them, not just their grade.”
The value of creating a bond and being disciplined in studies was instilled in Peterson by teachers from his high school years.
“You still have to put in the time and dedication,” Peterson said. “They taught me the importance of that, no matter what.”
The Clements Award honors former Kentucky Gov. Earle C. Clements for his lifelong dedication to education and public service. Up to three history and/or civics teachers from Kentucky will annually be selected by an independent review panel for the Clements Award and receive $1,000.
The idea for the award originated with Bess Clements Abell, the former governor’s daughter. She is a member of the UK Libraries National Advisory Board. During the administration of President Lyndon Johnson (1963-69), she served as social secretary to first lady Lady Bird Johnson.
Abell made a donation to the National Archives and wanted it to honor her father while supporting education. The Clements Award has the funding to continue for the next 10 years, according to Scaggs.
Abell spoke during the presentation event about Peterson and how her father would react to the list of nominees for the award.
“I could imagine my father on the shoulder of the committee,” Abell said. “He would say ‘Pick Timothy. He’s the right one.’”
Clements, from Morganfield, was governor from 1947-50, resigning to take a seat in the United States Senate. The Democrat also served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Peterson concluded the event by describing teaching as “a great journey.” The profession helps him forget about the worries in his life, he said, in favor of helping his students. He expressed thanks to end the ceremony.
“I’m very blessed to receive this award,” Peterson said.
Jonathan Coffman is a senior journalism major at the University of Kentucky.