Kenneth Peagler

Brandon, MS | 7-12, Science, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

Growing up without access to advanced courses, Dane Peagler knows how limited opportunities can shape a student’s future. He is committed to challenging all students and expanding access to rigorous STEM education—both in his classroom and statewide. By developing curriculum and supporting teachers, he works to ensure that students in all communities can reach their full potential.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

While working with a rural high school that had never offered AP Computer Science before, Dane helped launch the course and supported the teacher throughout the year. Every student who took the class passed the national AP exam—an unprecedented achievement for the school. For many of these students, it was their first exposure to computer science, and their success gave them the confidence to pursue more. Several changed their intended majors to STEM fields. Seeing how access to rigorous material could reshape students’ futures and self-perception was a transformative moment that affirmed the lasting impact of his work.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a Presidential Awardee, Dane hopes to shine a light on students and teachers in rural and under-resourced schools. He plans to use the platform to advocate for access to advanced STEM opportunities and to expand efforts that bring high-quality instruction and support to communities often overlooked.

Biography

Kenneth “Dane” Peagler is a high school science and mathematics teacher at Brandon High School. In his time at Brandon, he has taught a variety of courses and led several committees. Previously, he taught computer science, mathematics, and science courses for five years at Starkville High School and for two years at his alma mater, McLaurin High School. Dane adheres to the “Experience First, Formalize Later” approach to education where students work collaboratively through targeted activities that are aimed at illuminating the need for new concepts. Once the students have discovered the need for a concept and have some experience working with it, they are much more receptive to the formalization of that concept through more traditional notes, problem sets, and laboratory activities. Dane has presented at several conferences and led professional development activities, but his passion is in the work he is doing with the Global Teaching Project (GTP). GTP is a small non-profit organization aimed at partnering with rural Mississippi schools to provide the resources needed for them to offer AP courses. He currently serves as the lead instructor and designs curriculum for their AP Physics, AP Statistics, and AP Computer Science programs, in addition to leading instruction at residential programs hosted for teachers and students throughout the year. Through their efforts, participation in AP Physics 1 has increased by over 50% statewide. Dane earned his B.S., magna cum laude, in physics and B.S. in education from Mississippi State University and his M.S. in physics from East Texas A&M University. He is certified in physics and mathematics and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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