Show Notes

Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. who has spent his entire life dedicated to student success. He holds degrees in French and English from Morehead State University, where he focused his studies on advocacy for students, particularly first generation, Appalachian, and minority students. He began his work in eastern Kentucky, later studying and teaching in France. In 2022, Carver was named Kentucky Teacher of the Year and Ambassador to the Kentucky Department of Education, where he created a platform of inclusion and advocacy for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Appalachian students. His work has been published in Kentucky Teacher, Education Week, and EdPost. Carver's story has been featured on NBC, PBS, NPR, and other news outlets.

Instinct Magazine Article

https://instinctmagazine.com/get-to-know-more-about-this-ky-couple-fighting-for-our-community/

Gay Poems for Red States

https://www.amazon.com/States-Willie-Edward-Taylor-Carver/dp/0813198127 

Also ask your library to order a copy

University of Kentucky Press

https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813198125/gay-poems-for-red-states/

2022 Teacher of the Year

https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/features/2021/09/2022-kentucky-teacher-of-the-year-willie-edward-taylor-carver-jr-uses-humanity-to-transcend-education-for-his-students/

Education Week

https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/im-afraid-to-return-to-the-classroom-a-gay-teacher-of-the-year-speaks-out/2022/05

Pain and Hurt

https://dailyyonder.com/pain-and-hurt-over-lgbtq-issues-pushed-teacher-of-the-year-from-small-town-classroom/2022/09/01/

Homophobia Forces Kentucky Teacher of the Year to Resign

https://www.advocate.com/news/2022/6/28/homophobia-forces-kentuckys-teacher-year-resign