Rockcastle County Middle School teachers Emma Judd and Jesslyn Hayes have been selected to represent the Kentucky Writing Project (KWP), Rockcastle County Schools, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the 2026 DBI² (Document-Based Inquiry²) Institute, a week-long, dynamic professional learning experience dedicated to advancing the Dispositions of Democracy and fostering meaningful civic engagement in classrooms.
Ms. Judd and Ms. Hayes were invited to apply to the institute by Stephanie Smith, Executive Director of the Kentucky Writing Project, who recognized their leadership and student advocacy in her work with Rockcastle County Schools during the 25-26 school year. Ms. Judd and Ms. Hayes are two of only 30 educators accepted from applicants across the nation.
The DBI² Institute centers on equipping educators with the tools and strategies needed to help learners thoughtfully engage in civic discourse, evaluate evidence and reasoning, and navigate today’s complex information landscape. Teachers will explore how to support students in recognizing misinformation, engaging in respectful dialogue across differences, and interpreting diverse texts—including voices and perspectives distant in time, culture, and experience.
Educators will design their own instructional units and Document-Based Inquiries (DBIs), which will be published on the “Towards a More Perfect Union” website. This platform showcases exemplary work from past participants and provides a rich collection of resources for teaching democratic dispositions.
The 2026 Institute will be led by a distinguished team of educators:
Dr. Jeff Wilhelm, internationally recognized educator, author, and Co-director of the Boise State Writing Project
Dr. Jackie Miller, teacher leader, author of The Dispositions of Democracy, and co-author of Planning Powerful Instruction
Amanda Lloyd, accomplished educator and experienced co-director of the DBI² Institutes
The DBI² Institute builds a vibrant, nation-wide community of educators committed to nurturing informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens—advancing the shared goal of a more just and democratic society. KWP and Rockcastle County are honored to send two committed, engaged, and enthusiastic teachers to represent Kentucky on the national stage this summer.