Kristin Cantrell

Pike County

I became a teacher to make an impact—especially for children who come from backgrounds like mine. Growing up in poverty, I saw school as an escape—a place of safety, structure, and stability when life at home was hard. I believe in the power of connection and the difference one caring adult can make. As a mother, my own children remind me daily of the importance of nurturing hearts while guiding minds. They inspire me to be the kind of teacher I would want for them: one who leads with love, consistency, and high expectations.

Teaching is personal to me. I can relate to the students in my community because I’ve walked in their shoes. I know what it means to need encouragement, stability, and someone who truly believes in you. That’s why I teach with intention—building relationships rooted in respect and creating a classroom where every student matters. Most of all, I want to teach my students never to be ashamed of where they come from, but to see their story as a source of strength and pride.

I love to bring storytelling into my lessons. Stories have a way of capturing students’ attention while teaching important life lessons. Storytelling helps me reinforce comprehension, build empathy, and encourage students to think deeply about themselves and others. It’s a powerful way to connect learning to real life and to help students understand that their voices, ideas, and experiences matter. My goal is to create a space where students feel safe, seen, and supported—but also challenged and excited to learn. I’m always reflecting and growing, because I believe our students deserve the best version of us. I’m here not only to teach content, but to shape character, build confidence, and help kids believe in their potential.