Tim Arnold

District eLearning Specialist
Richmond Community Schools
Richmond, Indiana

Tim Arnold is a District eLearning Specialist with Richmond Community schools in Richmond, IN. In addition, he serves as a Digital Learning Coach for Keep Indiana Learning and is a current HECC Boardmember. Prior to that he was a social studies teacher, coach, and educational leader at Nettle Creek Schools in Hagerstown,IN. Tim was selected as a Top Ten Educator in the State of Indiana, taught Social Studies methods in the Earlham College Master of Arts in Teaching program, and has presented at multiple local, state and national conferences (ICE, HECC, CanvasCon, InstructureCon, ISTE) on topics he is passionate about including blended learning, student engagement, Canvas, G Suite for Education, and spreading the word about the wonders of EduProtocols. Additionally, Tim holds certifications in Technology Leadership (CIESC Cohort 8), Google (Level 1), FlipGrid, Quizizz, and Nearpod and collaborates with @RCSLearn colleagues to host a Twitter chat with over 130 episodes. Tim and his wife Julie, a former “rock-star” 6th grade science teacher and current guidance counselor, are graduates of Indiana University (BS ‘90) and Ball State University (MA ‘97), and have two children, Kelsie, a UX Designer and Nick, a plant manager with Co-Alliance. Tim's mantra is to serve others with patient persistence.

Erin Brown

Elementary Educator

Erin Brown I am honored to be recognized as a Jacobs Educator Award recipient. I am in a phenomenal cohort of peers who will help push my own learning and my teaching in the classroom. I have been an elementary educator for 7 years with 2 of those years in Special Education. Technology within the classroom has recently become a passion of mine. I feel I can make a more direct impact with my students when technology is an aide to their learning. I have shared 23 years with my husband, who is headed back to school to become a high school educator. We have a 16 year old daughter who loves volleyball and studying languages. I again, am so very thankful for this opportunity to work with educators, I am a forever learner!

Allison Coulter

Elementary Teacher

Allison Coulter is completing her 15th year as an elementary teacher. She has spent the majority of her career in Wayne Township (Indianapolis, In) and Avon Community School Corporation (Avon, In). Allison is passionate about literacy instruction and her favorite thing about teaching is building relationships with my students and their parents. She is a mom to three wonderful children and lucky enough to be married to my best friend. Allison excited to continue to work with the faculty, staff, and pre-service teachers at IU as a Jacob’s Educator.

Katie Jones

4th Grade High Ability Teacher
Maple Grove Elementary School
Bargersville, Indiana

Kasey Oetting

Data and Literacy Coach and Technology Integration Coach
Yorktown Elementary School
Yorktown, Indiana

Kasey Oetting is a Data and Literacy Coach, as well as a Technology Integration Coach, at Yorktown Elementary School in Yorktown, Indiana. As she approaches her tenth year in education, she is as passionate as ever about engaging elementary students in the classroom and collaborating with classroom teachers to help young learners grow. Kasey is skilled at analyzing student performance data to drive instruction, cultivates a deep understanding of research-based practices that support literacy development, and emphasizes a focus on the integration of technology within the classroom to enhance learning and teaching experiences that support the achievement of educational goals. With Kasey’s dedication to being a life-long learner and reflective practitioner, she is a certified Apple Teacher, Apple Learning Coach, and Apple Education Trainer. She has also cultivated a growth mindset to transform her teaching to align with the Problem Based Learning Framework and always promotes student-centered learning. In May of 2023, Kasey will graduate with her Masters Degree in Education Leadership from Ball State University, as she aspires to continue her service to the education profession in supporting teachers and students from an educational administrative role one day.

Hannah Rhoades

Second Grade Teacher
Edgewood Primary School
Ellettsville, Indiana

Hannah Rhoades is a teacher at Edgewood Primary School in Ellettsville, Indiana. She teaches second grade in a combined classroom with a literacy focus. She firmly believes that books are magic and anyone that doesn't like reading is just reading the wrong book. In her classroom, technology is a tool used to create, inspire, connect, reflect and respond, and that it should be used to enhance the learning process, not replace it. By teaching this mindset at the primary age, students will be prepared for their futures. She teaches the importance of using integrity and being a digital citizen when using any device. This is Hannah's sixth year of teaching and she falls more in love with the profession each year.

Karisa Schwanekamp

Plainfield Community School Corporation
Plainfield, Indiana

Karisa Schwanekamp has spent her entire 19 year career in Plainfield and is Plainfield Community School Corporation’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. She was also an IndianaTop 10 Teacher of the Year finalist in 2023. Karisa believes strongly in real-world, authentic learning and integrates STEM education daily. She is a founding member ofYaySTEM!, a group whose mission is to bring joy to learning and teaching throughSTEM education. Karisa is a Flip Student Voice Ambassador and an Ambassador forExpeditions in Education. She has a bachelor's degree in special education and elementary education from Indiana University and a master's degree in applied behavioral analysis with a focus in autism from Ball State University. She makes a great team with her husband, Brent, who is a Plainfield High School administrator. They loveto explore the outdoors with their 4 children.