Editor’s note: In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week 2020, we are running a series of stories highlighting a handful of educators in Daviess County. While we realize that every teacher deserves recognition, especially during these trying times, we’re able to tell just a few of their stories this week with the help from their school principals.
Day 2: Owensboro Innovation Academy’s Stacy Pedley — a graduate of Owensboro High School — is now dedicated to giving back to the school system that helped her through difficult times while she was a student.
Stacy Pedley said she’s a true product of Owensboro Public Schools. When the school system was there for her to lean on as a student, it made a lasting impact in her life — and now she’s back as an educator at Owensboro Innovation Academy.
“I didn’t have the easiest life. I mean it wasn’t a bad one, but teachers were always there for me,” Pedley said. “They were always consistent and I loved to learn. Looking back, I can’t think of any teacher that I had that I didn’t like or learn something from. In my childhood, I didn’t have a lot of other careers modeled for me so teachers were admirable. They all seemed happy and like nice people, so I thought, ‘I think I’ll try that.’”
Pedley said after high school, she was one of those people who thought they’d never want to come home. While she was pursuing her degree at the University of Louisville, Pedley realized how much she wanted to be back in Owensboro.
“Once I did some student teaching there I realized how much I love OPS and everything they stood for and how much they care about the kids,” Pedley said.
She was first hired by Daviess County Public Schools to teach kindergarten, but Pedley’s true passion was for the high school level.
“I love working with high school kids,” she said. “It’s a very influential time and I think they need somebody who kind of understands them and to help them make decisions that are going to be impactful years down the road.”
Pedley has been teaching special education at Owensboro Innovation Academy, but this past year she began transitioning to a guidance counselor — a position that she’ll fully take on next year.
“Stacy has the ability to truly connect with all students,” said OIA principal Beth Benjamin. “It’s something you don’t always believe until you see it. Kids and other teachers are drawn to her for support, advice and understanding. She really does help students get through their decisions in life.”
That ability to connect comes in part from Pedley’s own high school experience. When she was in 10th grade, Pedley lost her brother in a car accident.
“The support I was shown during that time and the grace and love I was shown until I graduated was invaluable to me,” she said. “I hope that I can provide that kind of support, love and grace to my students when they need it the most.”
Benjamin said Pedley gives 110% and takes ownership of her students and their goals.
“There is an ownership with her. She really takes on what the kids want,” Benjamin said. “She wants to do everything she can to help them reach their goals.”
Pedley said though she’s the teacher, she also learns from the students.
“They keep me grounded and they remind me how quickly our world changes and evolves,” she said. “I remember some of the same things they are dealing with. They teach me a lot about the different personalities the kids have. In their life, I hope I am giving them a sounding board. Without judgment, I am going to give them the best advice I have.”
Benjamin is grateful for Pedley and the rest of the teachers on her staff.
“OIA has the best teachers in the world, period,” Benjamin said. “Having her or anyone else, knowing that someone is working that hard for kids — you can’t put a price tag on that. She is invaluable. She can relate, truly, with all kids. She can find a connection with all of them.”
