Donnie Piercey

Donnie Piercey is the 2021 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and teaches fourth grade in Lexington, Kentucky. Now in his 20th year, he uses technology to spark curiosity, creativity, and engagement in his classroom. His passion for teaching has taken him far -- literally. Donnie was selected for a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship to Antarctica. He was the first North American lead for the Google Earth Education Experts Network and Kentucky’s first Google Certified Innovator and Trainer. In 2017, he co-authored The Google Cardboard Book to help classrooms use VR meaningfully. Donnie’s recent work in AI hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has been featured on Good Morning America, PBS, and in several videos and articles by the Associated Press. His book, 50 Strategies for Using AI in the Classroom, offers educators practical ways to integrate artificial intelligence into their teaching. A believer in the power of storytelling, Donnie has worked closely with the Peabody Award-winning GZM Shows to develop high-quality classroom resources that connect their podcasts to the curriculum. He also co-hosts the award-winning Partial Credit Podcast, which blends pop culture and education in fun, thought-provoking ways. Donnie has keynoted and presented in 33 states and on five continents—but he’s always drawn back home to Kentucky, where he regularly leads professional development for educators across the state.