Hillary Wright-Kaufman
Jan 14 2026 6:45 PM

(SPRINGFIELD, Ky.) – Washington County High School special education teacher and coach Stephen Woodson has earned an Education Specialist (Principal P-12) degree from the University of the Cumberlands, adding Ed.S., after his name. Woodson is a 1998 graduate of Bardstown High School. He served a six-year stint in the Army National Guard, with two years of active duty, reaching the rank of an E-4 specialist. Woodson received a Bachelor of Arts in university studies, with a concentration in criminology from Morehead State University in 2004, and a Master of Arts in special education in emotional behavior disorders from Campbellsville University in 2012. He taught at Bardstown Alternative School, Thomas Nelson High School, and Central Hardin High School, and also served in several assistant coaching positions before coming to Washington County in 2019. Woodson currently co-teaches science, English and math in special education at WCHS, teaches a math resource course as well, and is the head coach of the WCHS Commander Basketball team.

Stephen Woodson, Ed.S.

“One of my favorite movies of all time is Lean on Me, the story of a principal who turned around an entire high school that was in bad shape,” said Woodson. “He helped hundreds of students and changed the trajectory of their lives. Ever since then, I wanted the opportunity to do that. I want to be a part of a team that impacts all students and allows them to be successful whenever they graduate from high school. I want to build relationships with the staff and be the type of leader that I would want to work for as a teacher. I decided to pursue my Education Specialist degree because I feel like it’s almost time to take the next step in my life. I have spent 20 plus years working with children on the ground level - teaching in the classroom, social services, group homes and coaching. I want to try to make changes from the top level before I retire.”

“This is something we love to celebrate at Washington County High School,” says WCHS Interim Principal Malissa Hutchins. “Coach Woodson works incredibly hard every day and choosing to pursue an Education Specialist degree on top of those responsibilities shows true dedication to our students. The knowledge and skills gained through this work will make a difference in his classroom, relationships, and student confidence, and we are proud to have educators who invest so deeply in our school community.”

“We are extremely proud of Mr. Woodson’s outstanding accomplishment,” says Amanda Mattingly, who serves as Director of Special Education and Director of Student & Staff Supports. “Earning an Education Specialist degree reflects a deep commitment to the field of special education and to continuously improving support for students with diverse learning needs. This advanced training strengthens instructional practices, enhances advocacy for students and families, and contributes to the overall success of our special education programs at Washington County High School. We are fortunate to have educators who are dedicated to professional growth and to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.”