Prioritizing students and educators as we look ahead to the new year
The holidays are always a time to be thankful for what you have and to cherish the moments you have with loved ones, but it’s also a time to rest and reset for the new year.
Digging deeper into the educator workforce shortage
When it comes to addressing the needs of our communities, getting the best data possible about those needs is critical.
Dealing with crisis
The start of the school year is always an exciting time, but sometimes our communities face challenges that can overshadow the amazing things happening in our classrooms and weigh on us as people. I know there have been some very difficult moments for some districts, students, families and communities, not just in Kentucky, but across the nation.
Why I got into education
As the new commissioner of education, I look forward to working with stakeholders across Kentucky to make sure we provide the most vibrant experiences we can for our children.
Children are the most important part of our jobs as educators
Standing in a classroom at the Kentucky School for the Blind back in March, I listened to students explain a project they were working on while their teacher looked on, filling in some of the details as the students went over each aspect of their work.
Appreciating teachers is a full-year commitment
The first full week of May means Teacher Appreciation Week; a week dedicated to honoring our educators and the major role they play in the lives of our children. National Teacher Day on May 7 is an opportunity for us to lift teachers up and commend them for the hard work and sacrifices they make to ensure the next generation is well-educated.
Celebrating our future educators with Educators Rising
One of the toughest challenges we face in the education world is finding young people who have the drive, determination and enthusiasm to enter the teaching field. Every school leader knows just how difficult it can be to find high-quality educators to fill the various roles we have.
STLP competition to bring students together to find modern technology solutions
One of the most exciting events the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) puts on every year is the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) State Championship, where thousands of students from across the Commonwealth will convene in Lexington to compete against each other in an effort to use modern technology to solve issues in today’s society.
KDE’s role in the General Assembly’s 2024 regular session
For those of us who work in state government, you will hear us talk about the first few months of a new year being a busy time due to the General Assembly being in session. This year is what is known as a long session, where the legislators will create the next two-year budget.
Teacher shortages are still a critical issue in Kentucky’s public schools
I know we all tend to tune out challenging news, especially when it does not improve much from year to year, but we need continue to focus on the importance of recruiting – and retaining – high-quality educators.