A group of students hold pieces of paper to show they have committed to Murray State University for teaching

More than 100 seniors from 21 high schools participated in Educators Rising 2023 signing day. Several colleges and universities, such as Murray State in western Kentucky, hosted signing day ceremonies to congratulate the prospective educators. Photo courtesy of John Paise.

More than 100 seniors from 21 high schools across Kentucky were recognized for their commitment to becoming teachers on May 2 during the 2023 Educators Rising Signing Day.  

Educators Rising Kentucky is a career and technical student organization for middle and high school students interested in a career in education. Students-turned-teachers will eventually play a crucial role in easing the shortage of educators in the state. Kentucky, like many other regions, faces a shortage of qualified teachers, especially in high-demand subjects such as math, science and special education.  

By encouraging students to pursue careers in teaching, Kentucky can cultivate a talented pool of educators who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of their students and in their communities.  

Kentucky Educators Rising hosted the event at Kentucky high schools across the state. The signing day was held for all upcoming graduates who have committed to pursuing a postsecondary degree in education in one of the Commonwealth’s educator preparation programs.  

The students who signed will attend Murray State University, Kentucky State University, the University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University, Transylvania University, Campbellsville University, Lindsey Wilson College and Elizabethtown Community College. 

Murray State University hosted the signing day for upcoming college freshmen in the Western Kentucky region. Like many young educators, Laila Reynolds-Porter, a senior at Fredrick-Douglas High School in Lexington, Ky., was inspired from an early age to become a teacher. She plans to attend Transylvania University in the fall and pursue a career in middle school education. 

“I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “I have been teaching dance classes since I was 13, and this past year, I was a teacher’s aide, which really showed me the passion I have for teaching.”  

Reynolds-Porter said it felt nice to be recognized for going into a career in education.  

A student smiles at a table that has a Western Kentucky University banner in the background.

Educators Rising provides passionate young people with hands-on teaching experience, sustain their interest in the profession and help them cultivate the skills they need to be successful educators. Photo submitted by John Paise.

Kentucky Education Commissioner and Chief Learner Jason E. Glass said “It is exciting to see young men and women make the decision to become educators” 

“With the teacher shortages being experienced by schools across the country, it’s especially important that we recognize these young people the same way we’d celebrate a talented athlete selecting their college,” he said. “I congratulate these students and look forward to seeing them enter the teaching profession.”

Congratulations to the following students:

Ballard County

  • Rebecca Matney, Murray State University
  • Bella Adams, Murray State University

Caldwell County

  • Addeline Conger, Murray State University

Calloway County

  • Cate Anderson, Murray State University
  • Katie Inglish, Murray State University
  • Trace Johnson, Murray State University
  • Elizabeth Morrow, Murray State University
  • Kalie Neier, Murray State University
  • Maronda Sheridan, Murray State University
  • Hannah Nix, Murray State University

Christian County 

  • Jareonna Daniels, Murray State University

Fayette County

  • Jaaliyah Taylor, Kentucky State University
  • DeAsia Witherspoon, University of Kentucky
  • Elle Myers, Eastern Kentucky University
  • Laila Reynolds-Porter, Transylvania University
  • Reagan Browning, Endicott College
  • Sidney Faulkner, University of Kentucky
  • Hannah Cook, University of Kentucky

Fulton County

  • Damon Schmidt, Murray State University
  • Chrislyn Couch, Murray State University

Graves County

  • Thomas Childress, Murray State University
  • Jaelyn Morris, Murray State University
  • Victoria Kehn, Murray State University
  • Cambelle Drury, Murray State University
  • Madison Curry, Murray State University
  • Abbigail Duncan, Murray State University
  • Mackenzie Williamson, Murray State University
  • Vikie Peters, Murray State University

Hopkins County

  • Abbie Tompkins, Murray State University
  • Kylie Crook, Murray State University
  • Joy Alexander, Murray State University
  • Damain Merrell, Murray State University
  • Chloe Mackey, Murray State University
  • Kane Purdy, Murray State University

LaRue County

  • Macy Stillwell, Campbellsville University
  • Zachary Hite, Lindsey Wilson College
  • Katherine Linton, Lindsey Wilson College
  • Hallee Wolfe, Western Kentucky University
  • Emma Stillwell, Elizabethtown Community College
  • Heaven Johnson, Western Kentucky University

Livingston County

  • Brookelyn Rupcke, Murray State University
  • Molley Dunkerson, Murray State University

Lyon County

  • Emily Murphy, Murray State University
  • Cassidy Chaptman, Murray State University

McCracken County

  • Maya Lee, Murray State University
  • Mary Kate Jordan, Murray State University
  • Madison Newlon, Murray State University
  • MacKenzie Woody, Murray State University
  • Jenna Jackson, Murray State University
  • Isaiah Bledsoe, Murray State University
  • Haddie Kelso, Murray State University
  • Gavin McKenzie, Murray State University
  • Destiny Thomas, Murray State University
  • Carson Sullivan, Murray State University
  • Abigale Wheeler, Murray State University
  • Abby Farris, Murray State University
  • Loralie Burress, Murray State University

Marshall County

  • Hayden Brummitte, Murray State University
  • Hannah Collie, Murray State University
  • Kelsey Crass, Murray State University
  • Adalynn Koch, Murray State University
  • Conner Nix, Murray State University
  • Emma Shelton, Murray State University
  • Mya Walton, Murray State University
  • Peyton Weitlauf, Murray State University

Metcalfe County

  • Jax Allen, Eastern Kentucky University
  • Ada-Kathryn Bennett, Western Kentucky University
  • Aidan Grindle, Western Kentucky University
  • Logan Phelps, Western Kentucky University

Murray Independent

  • William Church, Murray State University
  • Ryann Doss, Murray State University
  • Samantha Robinson, Murray State University

Trigg County

  • Maela Skinner, Murray State University
  • Adreanna Penn, Murray State University
  • Isabella Sabatino, Murray State University

Union County

  • Caitlyn Pease, Murray State University
  • Allyson Vinson, Murray State University
  • Maggy Hibbs, Murray State University

Webster County

  • Maggie White, Murray State University