Introducing Our 2026–2027 State Officers
The 2027-2028 Educators Rising Kentucky State Officers have officially been selected by members of the Educators Rising Kentucky community. Throughout the month of April, state officer finalists created informational video clips highlighting their leadership skills, experiences and passion for the profession. Candidates also organized and carried out campaign efforts to engage their peers across the state.
We are proud to share that our Educators Rising community actively participated in the election process, resulting in several incredibly close races. After thoughtful consideration and strong community engagement, the votes have been cast and our new state officers have been chosen.
We are excited to introduce our Grow Your Own community to the 2027-2028 Educators Rising Kentucky State Officers below:
Kentucky Association of Career and Technical Education Summer Conference Updates
The keynote speaker for the Kentucky Association of Career and Technical Education Summer Conference is veteran educator, administrator and bestselling author Gerry Brooks. Known to his 3.1 million followers for his humor-infused insights, his practical presentation will focus on improving workplace climate and building a positive culture.
Attendees can review the 2026 Daily Conference Schedule to plan their experience early and get the most out of every day. Our Teaching and Learning Pathway tentative schedule is also a point of reference for our Grow Your Own folks.
The online registration closes on July 3 at 11:59 p.m. ET, after which on-site registration will be available at a fee of $475. New hires employed after the July 3 deadline should contact Dexter Knight for assistance.
Ignite Institute's Leah Jefferson to Receive National Educators Rising Champion Award
 Ignite Institute's Teaching and Learning Pathway Instructor and Educators Rising Teacher Leader Leah Jefferson will receive a prestigious Educators Rising Champion Award for the Teacher Leader Division this summer in Portland, OR. This recognition honors her exceptional commitment to inspiring, developing and supporting the next generation of educators.
The award presentation ceremony will be held during a special general session lunch at the Educators Rising National Conference at noon on June 21 in Portland.
Leah, you make our Educators Rising Kentucky community proud. Thank you for all that you do for our students and our Educators Rising Kentucky organization!
Educators Rising National Conference to be Held in Portland June 20-23
More Than 25 chapters; 230 Educators Rising KY students to attend!
 Congratulations to all of our chapters competing at the national level! We encourage you to embrace the opportunity to experience Portland as a new host city, explore fresh perspectives through your professional learning sessions and compete to the very best of your ability. The Kentucky Department of Education is already proud of your advocacy for the profession and your dedication to strengthening our Grow Your Own teacher pipelines.
Good luck to our chapters traveling to Oregon: Ballard High School, Bryan Station High School, Bullitt Central High School, Bullitt East High School, Butler Traditional High School, Carlisle County High School, Central High Magnet Career Academy, Crittenden County High School, Elizabethtown High School, Frederick Douglass High School, George Rogers Clark High School, Graves County High School, Henry County High School, Ignite Institute, Leslie County Area Technology Center, Mayfield High School, McCracken County High School, Mt. Washington Middle School, North Bullitt High School, Pleasure Ridge Park High School, Rowan County Senior High School, Russell County High School, Spencer County High School, Waggener High School, Washington County High School and Western Kentucky University Educators Rising Leadership Academy.
Educators Rising National Service Project to Take Place at National Conference
This year’s Conference Community Service Project invites every attendee to help uplift young people in our host community of Portland. We’re collecting essential toiletry items to support p:ear, (project: education, art, recreation) an organization that builds positive relationships with homeless youth through education, art, wilderness recreation and job training to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.
At p:ear, they don’t set out to “fix” youth – they show up consistently, create space for creativity and self-discovery, and walk alongside young people as they build confidence, skills and community. Their low-barrier programs center dignity, belonging and choice. Every contribution brings us one step closer to a more compassionate community.
Even the smallest donation can offer comfort, dignity and hope to someone who needs it most.
How You Can Help
Please bring any of the following new, unopened items to the donation station in the game room at the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference:
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Body soaps & wipes
- Travel size toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Mouthwash
- Travel size deodorant
- Travel size lotion
- Pain relief medicines (Advil, ibuprofen, etc.)
- Cough drops
- Brushes & combs
- Razors
- Fingernail clippers
- New socks (adult sizes, all genders)
Why It Matters
Daily hygiene items are often out of reach for the young people p:ear serves. Your generosity supports their well being and strengthens the care p:ear provides, helping youth feel seen, supported and valued.
Let’s Make a Difference – Together
Thank you for bringing kindness with you to this year’s conference. With your support, we can help p:ear continue offering safety, dignity and hope to the young people who need it most.
Teaching and Learning Signing Day Spotlights
Each spring, our GYO programs, including Teaching and Learning Pathways and Educators Rising chapters, host a "Signing Day" to celebrate students who have committed to earning a postsecondary degree in education. This mirrors the tradition of athletes signing letters of intent, but for aspiring teachers.
 Fayette County Public Schools hosted its signing day for more than 70 aspiring educators! Pictured above is Frederick Douglass High School's senior signing class.
Lincoln County celebrated its signing day with seven students pursing education in their upcoming postsecondary journeys!
 Five proud members of Crittenden County High School have decided their bright futures belong in education!
 Four of Graves County's Teaching and Learning pathway seniors sign their letters of intent to pursue a major in education at Murray State University!
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