News Summary
Elise Carter, an educator and advocate from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, has been awarded the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her contributions to education equity and social justice. Known for her inclusive teaching methods and founding the nonprofit NISE, Carter emphasizes the importance of diversity in education. Despite facing opposition, her commitment to social awareness and advocacy continues to inspire students and the broader community.
Fort Thomas, Kentucky — Elise Carter Recognized with Prestigious Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for Education and Social Equity
Elise Carter, a respected educator and community advocate based in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, has been awarded the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her significant contributions to advancing education equity and social justice. This recognition highlights her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion, both within her classroom and in the broader community.
Background and Early Advocacy Efforts
Carter first entered public attention in the spring of 2021 when she participated in a community meeting to discuss a proposed social equity course at Highlands High School. During this meeting, Carter introduced her vision of an inclusive educational approach aimed at exploring various historical and social issues. However, her initiative faced immediate resistance from some parents. Critics believed that the course attempted to incorporate critical race theory (CRT), a contentious topic in many educational circles, and perceived it as an attempt to influence students’ perspectives.
In response to the opposition, the school administration decided to remove the social equity course from its curriculum. Despite this setback, Carter and her colleague, Trinity Walsh, chose not to cease their efforts in advancing social justice and inclusive education.
Founding of Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education
Undeterred by community opposition, Carter and Walsh founded Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization focuses on preparing students for college and career success through educational programming that fosters understanding of diverse social identities and histories.
As part of NISE’s offerings, weekly sessions are held on Saturdays throughout the year, with participants paying a fee of $50. These sessions include a variety of activities such as field trips, history lessons, and guest speakers. The program’s curriculum emphasizes understanding on intersectionality, encouraging students to relate personal experiences to societal issues and fostering empathy and social awareness.
Curriculum Focus and Content
Carter’s educational approach extends beyond mainstream narratives. She emphasizes teaching students about lesser-known histories, broadening their understanding of marginalized groups. While notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks are included, the curriculum also covers influential figures such as John Lewis and explores diverse histories across different communities, including Jewish, LGBTQ+, Native American, and Latino histories.
This comprehensive approach aims to educate students about multifaceted societal issues, emphasizing the importance of recognizing various forms of marginalization and fostering greater social understanding.
Recognition and Awards
Elise Carter’s impactful work has earned her multiple accolades, reflecting her influence in education and social justice. She received the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award in 2025, recognizing her efforts to promote historical awareness and social equity. Additionally, she was honored with the Smith-Wilson Award for Civil and Human Rights in Education, the 2024 Innovative Teacher Award for Northern Kentucky, and was a finalist for the 2024 Upstander Awards presented by The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center.
Role as a Teacher and Community Leader
Carter has been a teacher at Highlands High School since 2012, making history as the school’s first Black teacher. She specializes in business and leadership courses, maintaining a professional boundary between her classroom activities and her nonprofit work. However, she remains open to engaging her students in meaningful conversations about societal issues, fostering an environment of honesty and acceptance.
Personal Motivation and Challenges
Carter’s advocacy is deeply personal. As a mother of a Black son, she emphasizes the importance of representation, understanding, and fighting marginalization. Her work takes place amidst a challenging political environment, where legislative efforts are increasingly aimed at limiting discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Despite this, she combines classroom education with community programming, offering volunteer and educational opportunities designed to broaden understanding and promote social cohesion.
Looking Ahead
Through her sustained efforts, Elise Carter continues to serve as a prominent advocate for education reform and social justice in Fort Thomas and beyond. Her recognition with the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award underscores her commitment to fostering an inclusive society where diversity is celebrated and understood by future generations.
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- The Alpena News: Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cannot Be Canceled
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- Soapbox Media: Northern Kentucky Organizations Address Housing Challenges
- National Review: The Battle for Public Education in Red America
- Link NKY: DEPs Officially Rebrands to Liquor Barn
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Google Search: Social Justice Education
- Google Scholar: Equity in Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Intersectionality
- Google News: Diversity Equity Inclusion
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