Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, October 6, 2008

Karen Gill, who teaches physics at Henry Clay High School, is among the nine outstanding semifinalists for the Kentucky Teacher of the Year award. 

The group includes three elementary teachers, three middle school teachers and three high school teachers. The winner in each category, along with the overall 2009 winner, will be announced Oct. 22 at the state capitol. 

The semifinalists were among 24 educators named as 2009 Ashland Inc. Teacher Achievement Awards winners last month. The initial judging considered the nominees' teaching philosophies, teaching experiences, community involvement and letters of recommendation.  

The Teachers of the Year will be selected after classroom visits and personal interviews. A culmination of scores will determine the overall statewide winner, who will represent Kentucky in the 2009 National Teacher of the Year competition.  

Gill is in her 19^th year of teaching, mostly at Henry Clay; she also taught two years at Tates Creek High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics and education from Transylvania University, a master’s in secondary education from the University of Kentucky, and Rank I from Georgetown College. She also has National Board Certification. 

For more details about the Teacher of the Year competition, contact Lisa Y. Gross with the Kentucky Department of Education at (502) 564-2015 or lisa.gross@education.ky.gov.