The Newport Independent School District is celebrating one of its own in his nomination for the 2023 Kentucky Teacher of the Year contest.
Nate Green was announced as one of 11 semifinalists for the 2023 Kentucky Teacher of the Year in early August.
Green teaches 7th and 8th grade social studies, history and language arts at Newport. Green is one of four middle school teachers selected as a semifinalist. The contest winner will be announced on Sept. 20 at a ceremony in Frankfort.
Green decided he wanted to become a teacher when he was teaching English in South Korea.
“My wife surprised me in the summer of 2006 with an opportunity to teach English in South Korea at Jeju Island English Camp,” Green said. “For two weeks, I was responsible for curriculum planning, teaching, games, food, and chaperoning field trips.”
Green said he strives to make his classroom an atmosphere of inclusivity.
“Creating experiences for our students is the utmost priority when wanting them to grow as humans and global citizens,” Green said. “I try to provide a safe place for all students to figure out who they are. I try to celebrate them on the daily. Any way I can connect to kids, whether that is by wearing shoes that they think are cool, acting a little ‘cringy,’ or eating lunch with them.”
A native of north central Ohio, Green earned dual credit at Kenyon College before he earned a bachelor’s degree in theater at Berea College. He later received his Master’s in Teaching from Northern Kentucky University.
Newport Schools Superintendent Tony Watts said the entire district is pulling for Green.
“Nate has done a great job for us at Newport,” Watts said. “He deserves this accolade. He truly cares about the students and wants them to be successful. We are extremely proud of his efforts and accomplishments.”
All semifinalists were chosen based on their scores from the first round of judging, which was conducted by a blue-ribbon panel of veteran educators. Applications included nominees’ teaching philosophies, teaching experiences, involvement in their respective communities and letters of recommendation.