 Ed Rising attnedees erupt in celebration as their classmate secures a victory in one of the competitions. Photo by Myles Young, Kentucky Department of Education, March 5, 2025
(LOUISVILLE, KY) – Aspiring educators from across the state engaged in hands-on learning and professional development at the 2025 Educators Rising Conference, which took place on March 5 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. The event, designed to inspire the next generation of teachers, featured a range of activities for students preparing for careers in education.
Gov. Andy Beshear delivered remarks during the opening ceremony to the record number of 826 students in attendance, calling them “the leaders of today” and encouraging students to continue pursuing their passion for education.
“You are leading in everything you do, and your peers see it,” he said.
Throughout the day, students competed in 27 different events that touched on several areas of teaching, including lesson planning, public speaking and developing children’s literature.
Lalah Symone Shirley, a junior at South Warren High School (Warren County), said she was excited but nervous to present in front of the judges. She chose music for her interactive bulletin board contest.
“Music has been my life, and my dream is to become a high school choir teacher,” she said. “I knew immediately I wanted my presentation to be about how to read the beginning notes of music.”
Sarah Wallace, a 5th-grade teacher at Turner Elementary (Anderson County) and a GoTeachKY Ambassador, served as one of the judges. Ambassadors travel throughout the state providing valuable information to those considering teaching careers and help elevate the profession.
“It was such an incredible experience,” Wallace said. “Seeing the creativity and passion that high school students are already putting into teaching is truly inspiring.”
During the afternoon, Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher showed support and appreciation to the aspiring educators.
“Thank you for the courage, as I believe you are about to step into one of the most impactful roles you can do, and that role is teaching” Fletcher said.
Also offering remarks in the afternoon were Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Jennifer Montgomery.
The day concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing those students that placed in the day’s events.
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