Kentucky Department of Education

12/29/2022

Bowling Green Independent Schools meets refugee, migrant families where they are with Teranga Academy

As 2022 comes to a close, the last Kentucky Teacher feature story of the year highlights Teranga Academy (Bowling Green Independent School District), a school designed to support teens who are new to the United States and to American schools.

Mauwa Asifiwe was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania. She arrived in the U.S. in 5th grade with no English speaking background. American schooling was her first introduction to formal schooling. Before Teranga, she was the only Swahili speaker in her class. In just a few months, Asifiwe has grown in her reading skills with the community of students like her.

“My favorite part of the day is when I’m in reading,” she said. “[My teacher] encourages me to work harder and not give up. I like to read every kind of thing. I’m reading chapter books.”

The school is possible thanks to a partnership with non-profit organization Fugees Family.

Teranga Academy (Bowling Green Independent Schools) is designed to support teens and their families who are new to the United States and to American schools. The academy is open to Bowling Green Junior High and Bowling Green High School students who have been

12/28/2022

We only have 12 days left for the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year nominations and we are 12 school districts away from completing our map!

Help us complete the map by nominating an outstanding educator: http://bit.ly/2024KYTOYNominations

12/27/2022

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from the Kentucky Department of Education

From all of us here at the Kentucky Department of Education, happy holidays!

As we put a bow on 2022, the year that will be remembered as the beginning of a new future for education in the Commonwealth, Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass looks ahead to 2023 and the United We Learn KY movement.

12/23/2022

Kentucky Department of Education offices are closed Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 in observation of federal holidays. Have a wonderful holiday season and stay warm, Kentucky! ☃️❄️

12/21/2022

We spy 2023 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Mandy Perez! We look forward to welcoming her to in the new year to begin her year with us!

Learn more about Mandy: http://bit.ly/23KYTOYWinner

Congratulations to the 2023 State Teachers of the Year!

Visit ntoy.ccsso.org to learn who is representing your state.

12/21/2022

Transcending education, one Garrard County school cultivates culture of health

When Patrick Kennedy moved from Chicago to Lancaster in central Kentucky more than five years ago, he did not know the change he would initiate.

A veteran teacher, Kennedy accepted a health and physical education teaching position at rural Camp Dick Robinson (CDR) Elementary (Garrard County Schools). He moved to the community to raise his family in a quieter environment.

Early during his tenure at CDR, Kennedy decided to take on a project that would forever alter the school: the promotion of a health-based culture. “I was a big go-getter. I wanted it to change within six months,” he said.

However, he knew that changing the school’s culture required cultivating a sense of community around health education. With help from the Kentucky Healthy Schools Team at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Kennedy oversaw the transformation

With help from the Kentucky Healthy Schools Team at the Kentucky Department of Education, health and physical education teacher Patrick Kennedy oversaw the transformation of Camp Dick Robinson (CDR) Elementary's school culture to the promotion of a health-based culture. Photo by Caleb

12/20/2022

Nominate an educator for 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year

There is less than a month left for the nominations for the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year! We have received over 1,000 nominations so far! Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass encourages everyone to think of a deserving educator.

Nomination form: bit.ly/2024KYTOYNominations

12/19/2022

! Our Office of Career and Technical Education and Student Transition has an opening for an automotive technology instructor at the Fulton County Area Technology Center/Four Rivers Career Academy in Hickman.

More information: bit.ly/AutomotiveJobDec22

12/16/2022

We have received over 1,000 nominations from 157 school districts in Kentucky! Only 14 districts to go until we have a completed map. Can you help us reach our goal by Jan. 9?

Nominate an educator for the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year: bit.ly/2024KYTOYNominations

12/15/2022

Northern Kentucky teacher to represent state in 2022 Miss America competition

Best of luck tonight, Miss Kentucky Hannah Edelen! Hannah will represent the Commonwealth in the 2023 Miss America Organization pageant and represent passionate teachers and students across the country.

Watch tonight at 8 p.m. ET on PageantsLive.com.

Northern Kentucky 6th grade teacher Hannah Edelen was crowned Miss Kentucky on June 22, 2022 and will represent the state in the 2022 Miss America pageant. Photo courtesy of Hannah Edelen.

12/15/2022

In Conversation With ... Joud Dahleh

In Conversation With ... Joud Dahleh

Kentucky School AdvocateDecember 2022In Conversation With features an interview between a leader or

12/15/2022

Nominations open for 2023 Samuel Robinson Award for Diversity and Equity in Public Education

🆕Nominations open for 2023 Samuel Robinson Award for Diversity and Equity in Public Education

This award is granted annually to a Kentuckian or a Kentucky organization demonstrating extraordinary efforts and contributions in the area of educational diversity and equity. Nominations close January 23.

The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) is accepting nominations for the 2023 Samuel Robinson Award for Diversity and Equity in Public Education. This award is granted annually to a Kentuckian or a Kentucky

12/14/2022

Every month the Kentucky Department of Education's Division of School and Community Nutrition recognizes a school lunch tray!

December’s Tray of the Month is from Bedford Elementary School in Trimble County Public Schools! Congratulations to all of the school food service professionals for their tasty looking lunch tray that features Cheesy Garlic Bread and Vegetable Venison Soup, made using farm raised, USDA certified deer meat.

12/13/2022

Public comment sought on Kentucky’s Stronger Connections initial data submission

We are currently accepting public comments on Kentucky’s Stronger Connections initial data submission

The Stronger Connections Grant Program is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Kentucky received $15 million to distribute to school districts through a competitive grant process.

Public comment is being sought on a request by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) for its initial data submission for the Stronger Connection grant. The Stronger Connections Grant Program is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Kentucky received $15

12/12/2022

🏆Michael Wright (Calloway County Schools) was recognized as a recipient of the 2022-2023 Kentucky Education Support Staff Professional Award by Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass and Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman during a surprise ceremony on Dec. 12.

🗞: bit.ly/WrightRISE

12/12/2022

🚍Kentucky Department of Education and Kentucky Office of Highway Safety teamed up to release videos to educate people about school bus safety. The videos are divided into three sets of grade levels: K-3, 4-8 and 9-12.

↪️bit.ly/KYSchoolBusSafetyVideos

12/12/2022

📈 The map is progressing — with your help, we will fill it with a nomination from each school district. Nominate a teacher in your district for 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year!

👉 bit.ly/2024KYTOYNominations

12/10/2022

🆕 on Kentucky Teacher: Kentucky’s School Counselor Advisory Council learns about new initiatives for postsecondary readiness and social-emotional learning

Heather Bushelman, program coordinator for comprehensive school counseling in KDE’s Office of Teaching and Learning, updated members on changes to documents, implementation guides and more.

🔗: bit.ly/SCAC1208 📝

12/09/2022

🆕 on Kentucky Teacher: Gallatin County’s Heather LeBlanc Receives 2023 Kentucky Education Support Staff Professional Award

Gallatin County Schools Early Childhood Coordinator Heather LeBlanc was honored with the 2022-2023 Kentucky Education Support Staff Professional (KESSP) Award on Dec. 9.

“I want to thank everyone,” LeBlanc said. “People think that early childhood education is like babysitting or something simple, but we are setting the foundation for the students’ entire lives. … Everybody should be a stakeholder in early childhood education.”

As a winner of the KEESP award, LeBlanc’s name has been forwarded to the U.S. Department of Education (USED) for consideration for the 2022 national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award.

Read more: bit.ly/LeBlancRISEAward

12/09/2022

🗞 Richie Kemp, Graves County commonwealth attorney, visited Mayfield Independent to discourage cyberbullying and inappropriate use of social media and texting. He told middle school students about the importance of having a trusted adult in their lives.

12/08/2022

🏆 Nominations for the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year close in one month and we would love to fill our map with a nomination from each school district.

Help fill the map by nominating an outstanding educator in your district. More information: bit.ly/2024KYTOYNominations

12/08/2022

Kentucky Board of Education hears how KDE is trying to improve student proficiency in reading, mathematics and science

🆕 Kentucky Board of Education hears how Kentucky Department of Education is trying to improve student proficiency in reading, mathematics and science

The Kentucky Reading Academies program is designed to help bring Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) to educators across the Commonwealth. The purpose of the two-year program is to increase reading outcomes for elementary students by providing high-quality, professional learning about how students learn to read to K-5 teachers and administrators.

Learn more about the December regular meeting of the KBE on Kentucky Teacher.

The Kentucky Board of Education met Dec. 7 and heard from the Kentucky Department of Education about initiatives aimed at increasing student reading proficiency and helping teachers with more professional learning opportunities. The Kentucky Board of Education

12/07/2022

Kentucky Department of Education's Bill Buchanan named 2022 Kevin M. Noland/Mary Ann Miller Award winner

🏆 Bill Buchanan, an early learning adviser in the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning, was named the recipient of the 2022 Kevin M. Noland-Mary Ann Miller Award today!

The award recognizes a state employee for significant service to Kentucky’s public schools and for providing inspiration for education. KDE staff submit nominations for the award.

Bill Buchanan, second from right, an early learning adviser in the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Early Learning, was named

12/07/2022

We are so proud of each of the students serving on the Kentucky United We Learn Council!

Last week, HCHS student Trever Smith, who has been shadowing at the Board of Education with hopes of someday becoming a superintendent, was elected to KDE's United we Learn Council! We are proud of you, Trever!

12/07/2022

The Kentucky Board of Education will hold the second session of its December regular meeting starting at 9 a.m. ET. The majority of board members are in-person at the Kentucky Department of Education.

Follow KDE on Twitter for live updates.

Agenda: http://bit.ly/DecMeetingKBE
Watch live: http://bit.ly/KDEMediaPortal

12/06/2022

The Kentucky Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Dec. 6-7. Today's session will begin at 2 p.m. ET. The majority of board members are in-person at the Kentucky Department of Education building in Frankfort.

Follow along on Twitter at for a live update.

Agenda: bit.ly/DecMeetingKBE
Watch live: bit.ly/KDEMediaPortal

12/05/2022

Kentucky Department of Education uses ESSER funding to provide training for new CTSO advisers

🆕 Kentucky Department of Education uses ESSER funding to provide training for new CTSO advisers

Thanks to ESSER funding, more than 215 Kentucky teachers participated in a fall training for new career and technical student organization advisers.

Learn more on Kentucky Teacher.

This fall, more than 215 Kentucky teachers participated in a training for new career and technical student organization (CTSO) advisers. The training, funded by $45,000 from the Kentucky Department of Education’s approved

12/05/2022

Early intervention as a child was key for Kentucky Milken Educator Award winner Buskill

🆕📰: Early intervention as a child was key for Kentucky Milken Educator Award winner

An important part of Charlotte Buskill’s path was her experiences with her teachers early on growing up in Pennsylvania. In kindergarten and 1st grade, Buskill’s mom and educators noticed she had learning difficulties. Her mom knew the signs of dyslexia and became Buskill’s biggest advocate for early intervention. She began to receive tutoring throughout the school year and throughout the summer.

Even though she struggled, Buskill said she has fond memories of the special education teachers that helped her.

“As a young child, I could see how much love was being poured into me,” she said. “Even though it was difficult for me to learn to read, it was always a happy place to me. People were always trying to get me to where I needed to be.”

Read on Kentucky Teacher.

Charlotte Buskill, a 3rd-grade teacher at Newton Parrish Elementary (Owensboro Independent), was the latest Kentucky educator awarded the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. Raised in a family

12/05/2022

2024 Teacher of the Year Nominations

Looking for a way to recognize an important eductaor in your life? Nominate them for the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year.

Nomination form: bit.ly/2024KYTOYNominations

12/02/2022

! We are hiring an Assistant Director for Early Literacy in the Office of Teaching and Learning. Alongside the Director of Early Literacy, this individual will lead the department's strategic vision and plan for supporting instructional improvement in language arts and literacy as aligned to Senate Bill 9 (2022).

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: Send a resume and letter of interest directly to Kathryn McCrystal, Division of Resource Management. Email: [email protected].

The position will remain open until filled. For more information, visit: bit.ly/KDEJobOTL

12/01/2022

🚘🏫✏️ Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass visited Teranga Academy (Bowling Green Independent School District) today, a school focused on English immersion and guided by trauma-informed practices and culturally responsive teaching.

12/01/2022

🆕on Kentucky Teacher from Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass: What is deeper learning?

"Deeper learning experiences go beyond just memorization or learning to do a repetitive task and require us to demonstrate a higher-level set of skills. These might include thinking through something complex with many moving parts, or it might require a creative solution where there is no clear right answer, or it might require effectively communicating or influencing others through written, oral or visual means. Deeper learning certainly touches on and requires 'core' content knowledge such as reading, writing, mathematics, science or social studies – but it also means that we go beyond just the basics and use that knowledge to solve a real problem or create something new and important."

🗞Read more: bit.ly/CommissionerColumnDeeperLearning

12/01/2022

The Kentucky United We Learn Council's first convening closed out yesterday, but the work has just begun. Now, standing committees will begin monthly virtual meetings with plans for another convening mid-2023.

11/30/2022

Leslie County teen becomes youngest known Kentuckian elected to office

During the pandemic, Logan Sizemore began growing food in the family garden to help the community in Leslie County.

“He saw that our local restaurants … were struggling and he wanted to help them,” said Laura Sizemore, Logan’s mother. “That’s just been his mindset; he just wants to make the community better.”

Sizemore was looking into other ways to help his neighbors and, shortly after he turned 16, he discovered he could run for the soil and water conservation board in his home county. Officers on the board keep up with the county’s environmental needs. Logan said it was appealing because of his love for agriculture and land management.

“That kind of stuck out to me because I feel that our area can use some help in those areas,” he said, noting that many parts of Leslie County are beautiful, but some need work. “I want to make someone come look at all parts of our county and say this is one of the most beautiful places in all of Kentucky.”

Logan Sizemore, a sophomore at Leslie County High School, holds a campaign sign with his uncle, Junior, on election night. His love of agriculture and Leslie

11/29/2022

Kentucky United We Learn Council brings broad stakeholder voice to learning in the state

The Kentucky United We Learn Council, designed to support the state’s vision for the future of public education in Kentucky known as United We Learn KY, met for the first time in Frankfort on Nov. 29 as part of a two-day convening.

“This council is a new way for a state education agency to engage with its stakeholders,” said Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass. “It is part of an intentional effort over the past two years to listen and respond to what people are telling us they want their schools to be like for their students. The three big ideas in United We Learn – students, innovation and community – came from people across Kentucky. This council continues that vision with a diverse group of stakeholders from across the Commonwealth.”

The Kentucky United We Learn Council met for the first time in Frankfort on Nov. 29 to begin its work advancing United We Learn, Kentucky's vision for the future

11/28/2022

Audrey Gilbert will serve as interim chair of Kentucky United We Learn Council

Student voice is critical to United We Learn KY! We are so excited to see Audrey serve in this role.

Audrey Gilbert, a senior at Frankfort Independent, has been selected to serve as interim chair of the newly formed Kentucky United We Learn Council.Submitted photo Audrey Gilbert, a senior at Frankfort Independent, has been selected to serve

11/28/2022

Kentucky public school graduate helps send NASA rocket to space

🚀 Kentucky public school graduate helps send NASA rocket to space

Shelby County Public Schools graduate Alora Mazarakis remembers telling her father she wanted to go to college at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration when she was young.

“You can’t go to college at NASA,” she said, “but that just kind of shows you what I was thinking as a kid.”

Reflecting on her role with the NASA team that helped launch the Artemis I mission this month, Mazarakis said being around the aerospace industry with her father while she grew up in Shelbyville led to her current role as an electronics engineer for the space agency.

Mazarakis graduated from Shelby County’s Martha Layne Collins High School in 2014. She has been working with NASA in various capacities since she was in college at the University of Louisville’s Speed School of Engineering, including a stint as a contractor working on the International Space Station for five years.

Alora Mazarakis, a graduate of Martha Layne Collins High School in Shelby County, is now an electronics engineer for

11/25/2022

Nominations open for 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year

This holiday season, we are grateful for all of Kentucky’s 42,000 public school educators!

Show your gratitude for an educator by nominating them for the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Kentucky Teacher Awards. Any full-time public school teacher in the state with at least three years of experience is eligible. Nominations may be submitted via this Google Form. Teachers may be nominated by students, parents, teaching peers, principals...

11/24/2022

Thanksgiving 2022

We have a lot to be thankful for this year in the Commonwealth. 🍂🧡

On behalf of the Kentucky Department of Education, Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

11/23/2022

What is deeper learning? It can be providing students authentic & vibrant experiences, like project-based learning! 4th grade students
Dunn Elementary have been learning about plant & animal life this year and showcased their knowledge during the “Conservation in Action” exhibition.

Vibrant student experiences like this one spark curiosity, motivation & engagement, while cultivating enthusiasm for lifelong learning! This is the kind of the learning United We Learn KY works to bring to ALL students across the Commonwealth.