LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Model Laboratory School teacher, Angela Hardin, has been named the 2025 Kentucky Society for Technology in Education (KySTE) Impact Teacher of the Year. The award was announced on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the KySTE Annual Spring Conference, held at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville from March 12-14. The prestigious award includes up to $2,000 worth of technology prizes for her students and classroom.
In her seventeenth year as an educator, Hardin thrives on learning alongside her students daily. Her diverse teaching experience spans elementary through secondary education, and she currently teaches Secondary English Language Arts to students in Grades 7, 9, and 11. Hardin’s passion for media and information literacy has led her to design and implement a rigorous project-based curriculum that fosters critical thinking. Her students analyze media, understand rhetoric in advertising, navigate biases, and develop portfolios featuring podcasts, infographics, and research-based articles focused on positive mental and physical health practices.
Hardin is also committed to preparing students for the future by integrating ethical artificial intelligence (AI) practices into education. She currently mentors a senior conducting research on AI’s impact on creative writing. Beyond the classroom, she empowers educators by actively participating in cohorts with the Southeast South-Central Education Cooperative and the Kentucky Department of Education. Additionally, she sponsors Model’s Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), guiding students to success in regional and state competitions.
Hardin's influence extends beyond Model Laboratory Schools, as she frequently presents her research and pedagogical practices at state, national, and international conferences. She was a featured presenter at the International Association of Laboratory Schools Conference in Toronto, Canada, and has been recognized and featured by the Kentucky Department of Education for her interdisciplinary literacy practices.
“Angela showcases excellence in action through her dedication to Model students, curriculum, and mission, and she represents what it means to be a servant-leader in education. Model is proud to have an educator like her,” said Superintendent John Williamson.
In addition to her recognition as the 2025 KySTE Impact Teacher of the Year, Hardin has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Model Rockstar Award for her outstanding contributions to the school community. She has also led initiatives such as the first 7th grade Poetry Slam, an Internet Safety Workshop for parents, and professional development sessions for educators.
Hardin’s dedication to fostering creativity, technology integration, and student leadership continues to make a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and the broader educational community.