The keynote speaker for winter commencement has been announced, and it is Kristen Maurer.

Maurer was this year’s Ohio’s 2022 Milken Educator award, which is one of the most prestigious awards in teaching, and was a graduate of the Ashland University class of 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

She is known for her making learning interactive and fun while emphasizing being able to fit the needs of all students.

When teaching her kindergarteners in the classroom, she focuses on building social and emotional skills that help students thrive in life and beyond, and her scientific approach to teaching literacy.

Outside of the classroom, Maurer has developed the “Building Better Braves,” which aims to help close achievement gaps and is an afterschool program.

Maurer will speak at winter commencement on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. in the Niss Athletic Center.