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Dear Colleagues,
We’re entering the final stretch of the school year this month, which is an important time for many reasons, including several opportunities to appreciate those around us and the work they do in Kentucky’s schools.
The first full week of May marks Teacher Appreciation Week, which is the perfect time to express gratitude for all of the incredible work that our educators do.
Teachers are the backbone of our education system and play a vital role in shaping the future of our Commonwealth. Our educators are responsible for preparing students for success, both academically and in life. They inspire our children to learn, think critically and be creative. They provide a safe and supportive environment for our children to grow and develop. They help our children discover their passions and guide them toward their goals.
We at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) are hard at work recruiting the next generation of educators, while also celebrating and elevating the teaching profession. This includes an advertising campaign that highlights the impactful work of teachers and the profound difference they make in students’ lives. With the GoTeachKY campaign, we aim to motivate future teachers and ignite a passion for education in those who will shape the next generation of leaders.
Ultimately, we want and need more talented individuals in our classrooms to make a difference for our children. Showing appreciation for our current teachers is one way that we can positively impact having individuals in students' lives who can serve as essential guides in their journey to becoming well-rounded citizens.
Early May also gives an opportunity to celebrate School Nurse Day on Wednesday, May 7. School nurses are responsible for promoting the health and wellbeing of our students, which is critical for their success in school and in life. They work to ensure that our students are healthy and safe, and they provide a wide range of services, from administering medications and first aid to developing health education programs.
I also want to recognize the dedicated staff of our School Health Branch here at the KDE. They work tirelessly to support school nurses across the Commonwealth, providing guidance, resources and leadership. We’re especially proud that three members of our School Health Branch team were school nurses themselves before coming to KDE, bringing firsthand experience and deep understanding to their roles.
And as we appreciate those in our school buildings this week, we’re also excited to see the next generation of educators begin their journey to becoming a teacher. May 6 marked the 2025 Educators Rising National Signing Day, where students across Kentucky and across the country sign letters of intent to pursue a career in education. If your schools are participating, please feel free to share on social media and tag KDE’s channels so we can share them.
Educators Rising Kentucky is the career and technical student organization for middle and high school students interested in the field of education-related careers. Starting with high school students, Educators Rising provides passionate young people with hands-on teaching experience, sustains their interest in the profession, and helps them cultivate the skills they need to be successful educators.
Seeing the next generation of educators get excited for what’s ahead is one of the true joys of being in this role. While we’re hard at work trying to recruit the next generation of teachers, we also need to focus on appreciating those already in the classroom to ensure our schools are a place where vibrant learning experiences can happen.
As always, thank you for being …
All In,
Robbie Fletcher
Commissioner of Education
Registration Now Open for the 2025 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia invite you to a two-day event designed to elevate your impact in education. Registration is now open the 2025 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit on Sept. 22-23 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington!
This year’s keynote speaker is Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. She teaches English as a second language to students from kindergarten through 8th grade and is a passionate advocate for her students, their families and fellow teachers. A Tennessee native and first-generation college graduate, Testerman takes pride in her former students’ success and is dedicated to ensuring the next generation receives a broadened education while living in a rural setting. She emphasizes the importance of teachers holding high expectations for all students from the moment they step into the classroom.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional learning, strengthen existing relationships or tackle unique challenges with fresh strategies, this conference is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to spark new ideas, gain insights from KDE leaders and join Kentucky’s continuous improvement movement! Visit the 2025 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit registration page to register.
Join Us for the 2025 Kentucky Coalition for English Learners Summer Institute
Registration is now open for the Kentucky Coalition for English Learners (KCEL) 2025 Summer Institute, taking place June 9-10 at the Owensboro Convention Center in Owensboro. This dynamic event will empower, engage and elevate educators with proven strategies, resources and insights to support English learners at all proficiency levels. Whether you're an experienced educator or just beginning your journey, this institute is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on English learners across the Commonwealth.
This year, the institute will feature two keynote speakers. Carol Salva, author and Seidlitz Education consultant, will share research-based strategies for supporting students with limited or interrupted formal education and teaching newcomers during her sessions and morning keynote. Valentina Gonzalez, author, educator and advocate, will deliver a keynote and session focused on promoting literacy and language development for English learner students. The institute will also feature presentations from Kentucky educators, representatives with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and education specialists offering valuable insights and best practices.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow! Visit the KCEL Professional Learning webpage for the full agenda and additional details. KDE will be sponsoring participant registration. Please use the KCEL 2025 Summer Institute scholarship registration link to take advantage of this opportunity. Scholarship registration will close May 31. If you have any questions, contact Kaiman Triplett by email or phone at (502) 564-3791, ext. 4089.
Persistence to Graduation Summit 2025: Registration Open and Keynote Speaker Announced
Register now to attend the 2025 Persistence to Graduation Summit.
Hosted by the Kentucky Department of Education's Division of Student Success, the summit will be held June 12-13 at the Hilton in downtown Lexington.
We are excited to announce Justin “Jay” Miller, dean of the University of Kentucky’s School of Social Work, as this year’s keynote speaker. At the time of his appointment in 2019, Miller was the youngest dean in the country, aligning with this year’s theme of elevating student voice. Miller is passionate about his work as an educator and scholar, with research and academic interests focusing on child welfare and youth involvement in juvenile systems. His work has shaped practice with foster youth and has informed a myriad of policies and practices related to participatory engagement with youth and families.
During this two-day event, superintendents, district level personnel, school administrators, school counselors, educators, family resource and youth services center coordinators, school mental health and social service professionals, and community partners from across Kentucky will convene to share information and best practices to support students who may experience challenges to reaching graduation.
Engaging and interactive sessions will be led by facilitators from across the state and content will include:
- Student transition and re-engagement strategies;
- Alternative education programming;
- Well-rounded educational opportunities;
- Safe and supportive learning environments; and
- Effective use of education technology.
The full schedule will be available soon and registration is limited to the first 300 participants. For more information contact Lalah Brewer.
Keynote Speaker Announced for Kentucky Reads to Succeed Summer Conference
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Office of Teaching and Learning, Division of Early Literacy invites you to register for the second-annual Kentucky Reads to Succeed Summer Conference on June 13, 2025, at The Galt House in Louisville.
Keynote speaker and educational consultant to state departments and school districts on explicit instruction and literacy, Anita Archer has presented in all 50 states, all U.S. territories, and many countries, including Australia and Canada, and has received 10 awards honoring her educational contributions. Archer has served on the faculties of three universities, including the University of Washington, the University of Oregon and San Diego State University. She is nationally known for her professional learning, and she has co-authored numerous curriculum materials and a best-selling textbook addressing reading and writing.
The conference, which will require registration but will be free to Kentucky K-12 public educators, will offer focused learning pathways to meet the needs of teachers and administrators. Attendees will learn from KDE Office of Teaching and Learning consultants and partners about:
- Evidence-based instructional shifts for literacy;
- The benefits of structured literacy;
- Why high-quality instructional resources matter; and
- Available resources for implementing the Read to Succeed Act.
Mark your calendar for this June 13 event, and please stay tuned for registration information coming soon.
Accepting Applications for Diagnostic Review Team Members
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia are accepting applications for diagnostic review team members to serve during the 2025-2026 school year.
The Cognia diagnostic review process is a performance-driven approach that relies on data from student performance, stakeholder feedback, classroom observations and a review of documents, artifacts and school practices.
Diagnostic reviews yield a comprehensive analysis of an institution in an extensive report intended to energize and guide continuous improvement planning for underperforming schools and districts.
All diagnostic review team members must have experience or expertise in the following areas:
- School or system administration with a specific emphasis on instructional leadership such as superintendent, principal, instructional supervisor, director of curriculum and instruction, assessment, special education, etc.
- Leading or supporting turnaround/improvement initiatives at the school, system or state department levels.
- Familiarity with the analysis and use of data as a driver for improvement.
Diagnostic review team members are required to complete specialized training. While there is no compensation for participating as a diagnostic review team member, all expenses associated with travel for an onsite visit will be reimbursed by Cognia.
If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please begin by submitting your contact information on the diagnostic review team member interest form.
We will send next step information to support you through the training process. We will have multiple training options available throughout the next few months in preparation for reviews scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year. If you have questions, please email the Cognia team.
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