(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – At a special meeting July 25, the Kentucky Board of Education approved Education Professional Standards Board Administrative Regulation 16 KAR 1:105, Teacher Leader Standards.

Review and approval of this regulation by the Kentucky Board of Education is required under Executive Order 2017-364, dated June 16. The regulation now moves forward in the regulatory process.

The state’s Teacher-Leader Master’s program started in 2007 to develop the role of teachers as leaders in Kentucky schools. However, Teacher Leader Standards for Kentucky had not been previously established. Teacher leadership is the process by which teachers, individually or collectively, influence their colleagues, principals and other members of the school community to improve teaching and learning practices with the aim of increased student learning and achievement.

The Education Professional Standards Board recommended the Teacher Leader Master’s Program continue as a choice for Kentucky teachers seeking Rank change, but that the requirements be modified to:

  • align with the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation Standards for Advanced Programs, including the crosscutting themes of technology and diversity;
  • provide opportunities to enhance P-12 student achievement by directly focusing on the Program of Studies, Kentucky Academic Standards, and College and Career Readiness Standards;
  • follow the Teacher Leader Program Review Guidelines;
  • reflect the Teacher Leader Model Standards, which align with Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Standards. These standards identify the knowledge, skills, and competencies that teachers need to assume leadership roles in their schools, districts and the profession.

The next regular meeting of the Kentucky Board of Education will be Aug. 2-3 in Frankfort. Visit the board portal to access the agenda and supporting materials online.