Deeper learning is already happening in Kentucky’s classrooms
Back in December, I wrote a column about what I considered to be deeper learning, a topic that you probably hear educators discuss a lot these days. While we have avoided laying out an official definition from the Kentucky Department of Education so that those learning and working in our schools can help determine what it means, we do know that deeper learning can take several forms.
Pay, support and respect critical to tackling teacher shortages
Emerging from the pandemic, we’ve all heard increasing concerns about the current state of the teaching profession, both here in Kentucky and nationally. As districts struggle with filling positions both in the classroom and in support roles, we are seeing some noticeable strains in the educator workforce.
Thanking Kentucky’s support staff for their vital role in student success
One of the things I miss most being commissioner of education is the ability to be out in our schools every day. While I love my position and the opportunities it gives me to help shape policies and state priorities, the school building is where the rubber meets the road.
What is deeper learning?
Kentucky’s future vision for education, called United We Learn, was developed after listening to Kentuckians from all parts of the Commonwealth and represents what they said they wanted for our schools and their children when we took the time to listen. One major component of that vision is to create “vibrant learning experiences for every student.”
Helping Kentucky’s most vulnerable families so students can succeed
Across the state last school year, almost 21,000 of our public school students experienced some type of homelessness or housing instability.
Giving thanks to all of Kentucky’s outstanding teachers
I had the privilege in September of presiding over my first in-person Kentucky Teacher of the Year ceremony at the Kentucky State Capitol Rotunda. There are two parts of my job that I find the most enjoyable. The first is when I get to visit classrooms and see our students deeply involved in learning.
Taking the time to listen to what our families have to say
Across the country, you are hearing a louder call for families to be more involved in the education of their students.
Unprecedented challenges during COVID have led to unprecedented opportunities
As summer winds toward fall and we consider the annual return to school for students, families and staff, it occurs to me that we are possibly at the precipice of our first undisrupted year of in-person learning since 2019.
Why we all need to pay attention to the shrinking teacher pipeline
Last month I met with the Kentucky Legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on Education to talk about the teacher workforce. The legislators and I talked about a lot about ways we might be able to encourage more people to go into teaching and how to keep our current teachers in their classrooms.
Reflections and responsibility on the Uvalde school shooting
Like many of you, I am heartbroken and angered over the tragedy that took place in Uvalde, Texas, on May 25. As is the case in many of your communities, students and staff at Robb Elementary were celebrating the end of this school year, looking ahead to the summer and imagining what the next year of school might bring. In a flurry of senseless violence, all of this was taken away.