JUSTIN BATHON is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership Studies at the University of Kentucky. In this role he also serves as (1) Director of Innovative School Models, including directing development of the STEAM Academy High School in Lexington, (2) a director of the Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), and (3) a faculty fellow of Next Generation Leadership Academy.

Dr Bathon’s work concerns the "code" of education that includes things like the legal structure upon which the system is built, the norms of everyday school policy implementation, the technological architecture of learning, and the growing marketplace for educational choices, particularly leadership preparation. Specifically, he researches, publishes, and participates in the ongoing modification of this education code for the digital, global era in which we now live.

LAURIE HENRY serves as Associate Dean of Clinical Preparation & Partnerships and Associate Professor of Early Adolescent Literacy in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Kentucky. She provides leadership in the College related to clinical educator preparation, the development of student engagement activities, and building school and community partnerships, including Districts of Innovation. In addition, she serves on the STEAM Academy Advisory Council.

Dr Henry’s research interests include the new literacies of online reading, writing, and communication as well as social equity issues related to the digital divide. She holds a national appointment to AACTE’s Clinical Preparation Commission. Dr Henry earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with foci in Cognition & Instruction and Literacy & Technology as a member of the New Literacies Research Team at the University of Connecticut.