- Leslie Slaughter’s primary job at KDE is to serve as a policy and legislative liaison at the state and federal level for secondary career and technical education (CTE).
- Slaughter, a product of CTE, said that being able to support and promote work that directly impacts CTE students and professionals is the most rewarding aspect of her job.
By Jacob Perkins
Jacob.perkins@education.ky.gov
Leslie Slaughter, executive adviser for the Office of Career and Technical Education and Student Transition, joined the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) in 2010 after spending some time as a high school family and consumer sciences teacher.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science and Campbellsville University with a Master of Arts, Slaughter’s primary job at KDE is to serve as a policy and legislative liaison at the state and federal level for secondary career and technical education (CTE).
“I am responsible for laws, regulations and policies that ensure effective implementation of CTE programs at the middle and high school levels,” she said. “Due to the nature of my work, I also get to lead many special projects, grants and strategic initiatives that are facilitated by our office.
“At the end of the day, my job allows me to be a champion for students in helping them to find their passions and prepare for a future career.”
Slaughter works with CTE experts, business and industry leaders, postsecondary partners, legislators and community leaders on a variety of CTE-related matters.
These matters include program and curriculum standards, industry-recognized assessments and certifications, dual and articulated credit, minimum high school graduation requirements, CTE funding and accountability, work-based learning and CTE student leadership organizations – just to name a few.
Slaughter, a former state Family, Career and Community Leaders of America student and president, said the most rewarding aspect of her job is being able to support and promote work that directly impacts CTE students and professionals while also seeing the direct influence that her efforts has on the workforce and the economy.
“My experiences in middle and high school had a profound impact on my chosen career path,” she said. “Through my role at KDE, I’m able to give back to a sector of education that shaped me both personally and professionally, which gives my work very personal meaning each and every day.”
Slaughter has two children, Kendall (12) and Mason (9), and is crazy about history.
“I love collecting old things, discovering historic architecture and traveling to cities rich in tradition and culture,” she said. “I also love to spend time cooking and baking in the kitchen with my children.”
Stay connected with Slaughter by following her Twitter account @Lslaughter225.
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