ICYMI: Registration Opening Soon: Free AIM Pathways Science of Reading Professional Learning for Kentucky Educators
The Kentucky Department of Education, in partnership with AIM Institute, is offering free, state-funded literacy professional learning for eligible Kentucky educators through the Kentucky Reading Academies.
Two KDE-approved learning pathways are available and satisfy the science of reading professional learning requirements of House Bill (HB) 253 (2026):
Pathways to Proficient Reading (PPR) — Approximately 55 hours
Designed for K-5 teachers and educators, this program deepens knowledge of reading development, assessment and evidence-based instruction to improve outcomes for all learners.
Pathways to Literacy Leadership (PLL) — Approximately 30 hours
Designed for school and district leaders, this program builds the literacy knowledge and leadership practices needed to support educators, strengthen instruction and guide implementation.
The fall 2026 cohort can be completed within one year and includes a combination of asynchronous coursework and virtual learning sessions. Additional cohorts will be offered in winter and summer 2027.
Multiple cohorts for each course are available. Registration for the first cohort opens Sept. 29. Registration deadlines vary depending on the cohort start date, with the earliest deadline being 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 16.
Learn more and access registration on the AIM Pathways flyer.
Additional no-cost opportunities are also available, including Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary and Demystifying Dyslexia. While these courses provide valuable professional learning, they do not satisfy the HB 253 professional learning requirement.
Explore Our Redesigned Kentucky Reading Academies Webpages
The Kentucky Reading Academies include professional learning opportunities and leadership support that connect to Kentucky’s literacy vision and the implementation of evidence-based reading instruction. As professional learning opportunities offered through the Kentucky Reading Academies have expanded, the Kentucky Department of Education has redesigned the Kentucky Reading Academies webpage to make it easier for educators and leaders to explore current opportunities.
The redesigned webpage provides an at-a-glance view of the professional learning options available through the Kentucky Reading Academies, including LETRS, AIM Pathways courses, KY Learning Hub Science of Reading Courses and the Kentucky Early Literacy Leadership Network (KyELLN).
The new design also helps educators identify important information about each no-cost opportunity, including the intended audience and whether the professional learning meets the science of reading professional learning requirement established by HB 253 (2026).
As the Kentucky Reading Academies continue to evolve to meet the professional learning needs of Kentucky educators and leaders, the redesigned webpage provides one place to explore the opportunities available through the initiative.
Visit the redesigned Kentucky Reading Academies webpages to explore the current professional learning options and learn more about each opportunity.
Kentucky Teacher Workload Survey
The Kentucky Department of Education is conducting a statewide survey to better understand teacher workload and the conditions that shape teachers’ professional time.
The survey will help KDE learn more about:
- How Kentucky teachers spend their professional time;
- Where workload pressures are greatest;
- How planning time, instructional resources and other responsibilities shape teachers’ work; and
- What supports, staffing considerations or structural changes may help create more sustainable teaching conditions.
What Teachers Should Know
- The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
- Unless otherwise noted, teachers should answer based on their experiences during the last 30 school days.
- Participation is voluntary.
- District information is collected only to help KDE understand differences across regions.
- Responses will be reported in aggregate, and individual teachers will not be identified.
- Findings are intended to help KDE better understand teacher workload and working conditions — not to evaluate individual teachers, schools, districts, curriculum programs or technology tools.
We Need to Hear From Kentucky Teachers!
Broad participation will help KDE develop a clearer picture of teachers’ work across different grade levels, subject areas, districts and school contexts throughout the commonwealth.
Complete the Kentucky Teacher Workload Survey.
Survey closes: 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 31, 2026.
Stay Connected with OTL Newsletters!
Want the latest updates from the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletters to receive important announcements, guidance and professional learning resources for Kentucky educators.
The OTL offers a variety of newsletters tailored to support your work:
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Standards Newsletter: Updates on Kentucky Academic Standards and implementation support.
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KyMTSS: Resources and updates regarding the Kentucky Multi-Tiered System of Supports.
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Numeracy Counts: Latest news and resources to support implementation of the Numeracy Counts Act.
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Early Literacy: Guidance and resources to support implementation of the Reads to Succeed Act.
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English Learner Educator Connect: Tools and resources to support EL program implementation.
Subscribe today: Kentucky Department of Education Newsletter Sign-Up
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions about Early Literacy, please email the Early Literacy Team.
Visit the tabs on the left-hand side of the Early Literacy Webpages to access the Science of Reading Professional Learning page, as well as educator and leader resources and information about early literacy screening assessments, structured literacy, and the Kentucky Reading Academies.
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