Heidi Givens

This is my 28th year in education. I have worked in 3 states as a classroom teacher of the deaf, reading specialist, and now an itinerant teacher. I am also a nationally certified interpreter. I have had the privilege of doing consulting and presentations around the US. to teachers, interpreters and parents on American Sign Language, reading, Bedrock Literacy Curriculum, and bilingual education.

I strongly believe that all children have the ability to learn at high levels. I push students as hard as I can. When you set high standards, the students will reach them.

I was a member of the 2019-2021 National Geographic Teacher Advisory Council, and 2014-2016 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Teacher Advisory Council. I was the 2013 Kentucky Elementary Teacher of the Year. In 2011, I became a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Exceptional Needs Specialist. I was also the president and co-founder of the Kentucky Educators for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.

I received my Bachelors in Deaf Studies and my MEd in Deaf Education from Boston University, my Director of Special Education certification from the University of the Cumberlands, my EdS in principalship and EdD in educational leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.

I have been married for 24 years to my best friend and have 4 beautiful daughters.