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Billie J. Carlton

8th grade
Science and Biology
Danville Middle School

Billie J. Carlton is a dedicated science educator and curriculum leader with over 20 years of experience fostering a love for STEM in middle school students. Currently teaching at Danville Community Middle School, Billie specializes in 8th-grade science and Honors Biology, where she also serves as the CSI Coordinator.

Driven by a passion for inquiry-based discovery, Billie holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (STEM Program) from Purdue University and a B.S. in Elementary ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. Her career across Indiana and Missouri is defined by leadership; she has served as a Science Initiative Trainer for Purdue University, a Science Curriculum Chair, and a mentor for hands-on FOSS science kits. A lifelong learner, Billie remains at the forefront of scientific advancement through elite professional development.

Her recent work includes intensive workshops in Cancer Research and Environmental Change at Indiana University, Geology at Texas A&M, and Sustainable Alternative Energy at the Rose-Hulman Institute.

From coaching five championship basketball teams to leading Youth Coding initiatives, Billie’s holistic approach to education prioritizes academic excellence, student leadership, and the real-world application of scientific principles.

Adam Ferguson

High School
Political Science, Civics, Government, History, Sociology
Plainfield High School

Adam Ferguson teaches Dual Credit Political Science, Dual Credit U.S. History, We the People, and Sociology at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana. Passionate about civic education, Adam designs his courses to help students develop a deeper understanding of American constitutional principles while learning how to thoughtfully engage in public life. His classes emphasize primary source analysis, civil discourse, current events, and research-based inquiry, encouraging students to connect historical and constitutional ideas to contemporary issues facing the United States and the world.

Adam serves as the coach of Plainfield’s We the People team, helping students prepare for state and national competitions while developing their skills in constitutional interpretation, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving. He also works to create opportunities for authentic civic engagement, including organizing community events such as candidate forums and discussions that connect students with local and state leaders.

Adam has served as a mentor teacher for the Indiana Bar Foundation for the past six years, working with educators from across Indiana and Ohio to support the implementation of the We the People curriculum and strengthen civic education. At Plainfield High School, he is actively involved in supporting student leadership and service through sponsoring organizations such as the National Honor Society, Riley Dance Marathon, Student Government, Tutoring programs, and the Muslim Student Association. In addition to these roles, Adam serves as the school’s teachers’ union representative and contract negotiator.

Jodi Kayser

Junior High/High School
U.S. History and Economics
LaVille Jr./Sr. High School

Jodi Kayser is a social studies teacher at LaVille Jr./Sr. High School in Lakeville, Indiana, where she has taught for more than twenty-five years. She teaches Dual Credit U.S. History, U.S. History, and Economics, and is passionate about helping students see the connections between the past and the world they are preparing to enter. Known for her engaging lessons and warm classroom presence, Jodi works to create a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn.

Beyond the classroom, Jodi serves as the advisor for LaVille’s National Honor Society and created the school’s Flex Tutoring Program, which pairs NHS students with peers who need additional academic support. She also serves as a department chair and instructional technology leader, mentoring colleagues and helping teachers integrate tools such as Canvas into their instruction.

Jodi has been selected multiple times by graduating seniors as one of LaVille’s Summit Award “Most Influential Educators.” She holds a master’s degree from Indiana University South Bend and has served as an Advanced Placement U.S. History reader and table leader for the College Board for many years. She firmly believes that students respond best to teachers who genuinely love what they teach and who challenge them to do difficult work, helping them discover strengths they didn’t know they had.

Madison Odendahl

First Grade
Franklin Township Community School Corporation

I am an experienced first-grade teacher with 5 years of creating a positive, engaging classroom where young learners can thrive. I am currently pursuing my Ed.S. degree and am committed to continuous professional growth to better support my students!

Amelia Shaw

High School
German
Columbus North High School and Columbus East High School 

Amelia Shaw has been teaching in Indiana public schools for 15 years, the past nine years as the German teacher at Columbus North and Columbus East High Schools in Columbus, Indiana. She approaches her job with the mindset that students don’t need perfect teachers, but rather happy teachers. She strives to develop meaningful relationships with students and build a tight-knit classroom community filled with joy and laughter.

The most fulfilling part of her job is getting students excited about language acquisition through performative pedagogy, stories, games, and the creation of memorable immersive experiences for her classes.

Outside of the classroom, she co-facilitates the exchange program with Columbus’s sister city, Löhne, in Nordrhein-Westfalen, leads active German clubs at both high schools, and runs a German food booth at the annual Ethnic Expo food festival in downtown Columbus.

Claudia Siedle

2nd Grade
Dual Language Immersion Spanish Teacher
Thompson Crossing Elementary School

I am a native of El Salvador and also a native of a dual language immersion school that taught English as a second language. In the 26-27 school year, it will be my 14th year of teaching. During that time I have taught English as a second language, Spanish as a second language, Spanish immersion, Spanish as a specials class and general education. My dream was always to teach Spanish immersion so that I could share what I received many years ago. This year is my 3rd year as a Spanish immersion teacher, and I can say it has been a dream come true!

Kelley Wright

Grades K–6
Science
Hope Elementary School

Kelley Wright is a K–6 science teacher at Hope Elementary with 10 years of experience creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students of all abilities. She is passionate about inquiry-based science instruction that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving.

Kelley holds a Master of Science in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University and a Master’s Certificate in Integrated STEM.

Beyond the classroom, Kelley coaches middle school track and girls basketball and sponsors the Hope Elementary Garden Club, helping students grow as learners and as members of their community.