Black Excellence

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Kelsie Lou

On May 12, 2018, I was awarded my 2nd Master’s Degree in Education for Teacher Leadership from the University of Louisville.  Upon completion of a capstone project during the summer, I will earn a certificate in Diversity Literacy.  This degree will also increase my Kentucky Teacher Certification to a Rank 1.

Kelsie_Smoot_U_of_L_Grad_2nd_masters

As a teacher in a priority school, this opportunity was made possible through a partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools and U of L.  In the Fall of 2016, I began taking 2 classes a semester, year around in the Competency, Awareness, and Responsiveness to Diverse Students (C.A.R.D.S.) Program.

I was blessed to complete this program DEBT FREE with tuition assistance from JCPS, Stuart Academy tuition reimbursement, and good personal budgeting.

My school work was with me all the time as I vacationed at Siesta Key Beach, Las Vegas, and moments prior to boarding a cruise to Cuba. I am very proud of my 3.93 GPA.  I had some classes that started off with low scores as I caught the hang of updated learning due to being out of school for 10 years.

Kelsie Smoot Foster Care

I’m not going to lie.  There were times when I wanted to quit the program to get my life back.  I would calculate how much money I would have to repay JCPS.  The money is not what pushed me.  It was the support from loved ones and the initial encouragement from the late Kevin Carter (God bless his soul) that gave me the strength to persevere.

Phillip L. Smoot Sr Alice Smoot Kelsie Smoot

Lucy L. Smoot Family West Virginia

I would like to thank my advisor, Shelley Thomas, my cohort group Aubrey and Pashun Barnes (another Detroit native), and my favorite professor, Dr. Kaila Story.

Kelsie Smoot Kentucky

Kelsie L Smoot Kentucky

For the current school year, I was elected by my colleagues as a union rep and I am the Related Arts Department Chair.

I love teaching P.E., but my plans are to perfect my craft in Health Education.  My goal is to be the golden standard for teaching strategies to reach diverse learners and to pass that knowledge to my colleagues.  I have already been asked to lead some trainings for the 2018-19 school year.

Kelsie Smoot Graduation Louisville

 

“Don’t complain about having too much on your plate when your goal was to eat.”

Kelsie Lou

About Kelsie Lou

Teacher on the move.
This entry was posted in Education, family, foster parent, Louisville, Photography and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

34 Responses to Black Excellence

  1. Anonymous says:
    May 14, 2018 at 7:38 pm

    You go girl. The best daughter any woman could have. Love you to life.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Steve says:
    May 14, 2018 at 7:40 pm

    So wonderful. Congratulations !

    Like

    Reply
  3. K E Garland says:
    May 15, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    Congratulations Kelsie! I hope your degree opens as many doors as you are ready to enter.

    Like

    Reply
  4. Tracy Muso 💕 says:
    May 16, 2018 at 2:24 pm

    Congratulations on your achievements…. Amazing ♥

    Like

    Reply
  5. LA says:
    May 16, 2018 at 4:45 pm

    😀😀congratulations!

    Like

    Reply
  6. TeacherNista says:
    May 16, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    Wow! What a great achievement! Congrats dear.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Christopher Bland says:
    May 16, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    Nice👌
    by the way.. happy belated mothers day to ya! hope all is well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. The Celiathlete says:
    May 17, 2018 at 8:36 am

    You are an amazing, smart, and inspirational lady!! Congratulations on achieving another goal and opening new doors for a brighter future!! Never stop learning.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. AAB says:
    May 22, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    Very nice, Congratulations!!!

    Like

    Reply
  12. Chandra Lynn says:
    May 25, 2018 at 12:25 am

    Congratulations!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. 🌍Lifebeyondimagination📝 says:
    June 11, 2018 at 2:36 pm

    Congratulations dear.. Have a great Journey ahead..

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. America On Coffee says:
    June 15, 2018 at 12:57 am

    Big big congrats Kelsie!!! Hugs, kisses! Thumbs up, hats off!!! Wow!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment