Through the Earle C. Clements Innovation in Education Award, the National Archives and UK Libraries Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center recognize teachers with a marked impact on student success, who display great creativity and innovation in the classroom and show an unflagging enthusiasm and commitment to increasing student awareness of the importance of public service.
View all of our past Clements Award recipients, and learn more about our most recent winners below.
With over 20 years of experience in secondary education, Sharessa Bentley-Crovo is a high school social studies educator currently serving as Department Chair at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington, where she leads the school’s Civics Expo and sponsors several student organizations.. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education from Coastal Carolina University and a TESOL certification from Western Kentucky University.
"Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to fostering civic engagement and student leadership. Empowering students through education today equips them with the skills to become thoughtful, informed citizen leaders of tomorrow.”
Jennifer Brown is a 5th grade social studies teacher at Menifee Central School in Frenchburg. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Berea College and is an Excellence in Teaching Award winner. She serves as the teacher representative on her school’s site-based decision making council and is actively involved in several statewide and district initiatives.
“I am truly honored and grateful to be receiving the Clements Award. This recognition fuels my passion for education and inspires me to continue exploring creative, student-centered approaches to teaching that make learning meaningful and engaging for all of my students.”
Caron Cron is an educator with over 13 years of experience in elementary education. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communication from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Education from University of the Cumberlands. Her passion lies in designing engaging, student-centered learning experiences with a focus on inquiry-based instruction.
“I am incredibly humbled to receive the Clements Award. When students understand their role in a community and their power to make a difference, they grow into informed, compassionate leaders. It’s a privilege to help nurture that understanding in the classroom every day.”
Stevie Lemons is entering her tenth year as a social studies teacher at Lafayette High School in Lexington, where she strives to create a classroom rooted in civic engagement and student-centered learning. She recently completed her Rank I, earning her Principal Certification. The U.S. History PLC Lead and sponsor of the LHS Black Student Union, she has led and designed programs that give students from all backgrounds the opportunity to succeed.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Clements Award and beyond grateful for my students who inspire me and remind me each day of my passion for education.”
Jason Ross graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Master of Arts in Secondary Social Studies Education in 2010. He has been a dedicated middle school educator for the past 15 years, spending the majority of his career in the social studies department at Leestown Middle School.
“I am really honored to receive this award and thankful to be recognized for my hard work and dedication. I stand on the shoulder of giants, learning from some of the best out there. Thank you to all who have taken the time to aid me along this path!”
Clay Rouse is entering his fifth year at Lafayette High School in Lexington where he teaches Adv. Government, AP Micro and Macroeconomics, and a Kentucky studies elective called "Bluegrass Land and Life." He obtained a Master of Arts in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Kentucky in 2021.
"I strive to bring the people, places, and things of Kentucky to the forefront of 9-12 civics education, and it has been a joy to watch students embrace the state and its complexities. It's an honor to receive this recognition from Kentucky's land grant university for promoting Kentucky education.”
