Educators Rising Kentucky has named four students to its inaugural team of state officers for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The four student state officers include:

  • President: Audrey Gilbert, Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent) 
  • Vice President of Communications: Alicia Konichek, Bullitt Central High School (Bullitt County)
  • Vice President of Programs and Service: Janae Allen, Ballard High School (Jefferson County)
  • Vice President of Memberships: Lilly Hibbs, Union County High School

In addition to these student leaders, Courtney Ashton, an education major at Lindsey Wilson College who served as Educators Rising National vice president of programs last year, will serve as the state collegiate advisor working with the student leadership team.

Educators Rising Kentucky, formerly known as Future Educators of America, is the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for middle and high school students interested in education-related careers. As the state affiliate of the national organization, Educators Rising Kentucky partners with Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization that supports teachers and school leaders by strengthening their interest in the profession through the entire arc of their career, to create a national network helping students build resources and create connections that can significantly impact educational opportunities through co-curricular and extracurricular activities. ​

Educators Rising is transforming how America develops aspiring teachers. Beginning in high school, Educators Rising provides passionate young people a hands-on teaching experience; helps sustain their interest in the profession; and helps them cultivate the skills they need to be successful educators. The result is a pipeline of accomplished teachers who are positioned to make a lasting difference — not only in the lives of their students, but also more broadly in the field of teaching.

Kentucky Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass said Educators Rising is a great way to give students the skills and experience they need to become high-quality educators.

“Educators Rising gives student the opportunity to build their skills and provides students with the experiences they need to become the next generation of educators,” said Glass. “We’ve unfortunately seen from survey data that many teachers are considering leaving the profession. We want to champion anyone who is interested in pursuing education, especially teaching. Educators Rising is one way we can achieve that.”

Through local chapters or individual membership in the national organization, Educators Rising Kentucky students have the opportunity to participate in projects that assist educators and take part in performance-based competitions. ​ 

“I am thrilled to be working with such a dynamic group of student leaders that bring with them a combined total of more than 16 years in student leadership experience,” said John Paise, a Kentucky Department of Education program consultant for Educators Rising and Teaching and Learning pathways. “Each of these student leaders is uniquely suited to their position, and their work will significantly raise student voice in Educators Rising Kentucky.”

These student leaders will be involved in the planning and execution of the state conference. They also will be involved in a career and technical education showcase next spring, and will meet with state legislators to discuss the needs of future educators. Additionally, they will represent Educators Rising Kentucky at regional events throughout the commonwealth and at the national conference in June in Orlando, Fla.