Mike Paul

Instructional Coach, Bullitt County Public Schools

Mike Paul is from Louisville, Kentucky, and serves as the Instructional Coach at Bullitt County Public Schools. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Mathematics Education and a Master of Arts in Education, both from Western Kentucky University, and also completed a program in Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky. His research focuses on virtual and hybrid learning environments, with an emphasis on creating student-centered experiences that promote safety, belonging, and deeper learning. He explores how the science of learning and development can be applied in virtual schools, particularly in instructional design, authentic assessment, and teacher professional development, to improve student engagement and outcomes. Mike chose the University of Kentucky for its strong reputation in educational leadership and its commitment to innovation in learning. The program’s blend of research-driven inquiry and practical application aligns with his goal of improving virtual and hybrid education. In his free time, Mike enjoys reading speculative fiction, history, and biographies, often with a cup of coffee in hand. He loves writing about education, technology, and learning design, and is constantly chasing new ideas. A music lover, Mike has performed for crowds of thousands and now enjoys curating playlists and rediscovering old favorites. Most importantly, he cherishes time spent with his wife and daughter, whether playing games or laughing together. A fun fact about Mike is that he once scored a hole-in-one on the rooftop mini-golf course at Google Toronto, which he considers his peak athletic achievement. He also starts most of his emails with “Greetings, Starfighter” as a playful nod to The Last Starfighter.