Memoriam  All Memoriams

Kevin Winters (TN ’13) passed away on February 12, 2024. Most recently Kevin worked as an East Team senior specialist for the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). He joined NIET in 2021 after 13 years as a teacher and instructional leader, during which Kevin split his time in schools as a sixth grade teacher, first grade teacher, grade-level leader, technology coach, TAP Master Teacher, and instructional coach.  

“NIET equipped me with the tools and practices that led to better results for teachers and students throughout our school district,” Kevin said upon joining NIET. “I am excited to facilitate that experience and growth in other systems and empower them through the vast network of tools and knowledge that NIET has amassed to give our students the greatest chance for success.”

In 2013, Kevin was honored to receive the prestigious Milken Educator Award as a sixth grade teacher at Athens City Middle School in Athens, Tennessee. In 2017, he went on to become a State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) Tennessee Educator Fellow focused on statewide advocacy work for better educational policies. During this time, Kevin also designed and launched a career-focused reading initiative that served thousands of students and was implemented in several districts in Tennessee. 

Kevin earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Tennessee Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in instructional leadership from Tennessee Technological University. 

In his free time, Kevin enjoyed staying active, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. They cherished taking road trips to national parks, monuments, and memorials to experience the beauty and diversity of our country.