Applications for 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program open Aug. 3
Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), a merit-based program that takes the most outstanding high school students from around the country to Washington, D.C., for a week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it.
Kentucky announces 2026 JROTC Instructors of the Year
The Kentucky Department of Education’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Directorate, in coordination with the U.S. Army Cadet Command’s 7th Brigade, is proud to announce the 2026 Kentucky JROTC Instructors of the Year.
Kentucky special educators strengthen skills during KDE’s Kaleidoscope Community of Practice summer learning launch
The Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Office of Special Education and Early Learning launched the first Kaleidoscope Community of Practice summer session on July 16-17, bringing together 50 special education teachers from across Kentucky to strengthen specially designed instruction and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Educator Spotlight: Golden Owl Regional Winner Catherine Poole
Poole said she develops hands‑on activities that help students understand the realities and the science behind agriculture.
Educator Spotlight: Golden Owl Regional Winner Mercedes Branham
Carlisle County High School Agriculture Teacher Mercedes Branham has been honored with a regional Golden Owl Award for her contributions to agricultural education. She has been teaching for a decade.
Educator Spotlight: Golden Owl Regional Winner Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson, a Pendleton County native and agriculture teacher at Pendleton County High School, experienced a full-circle moment as he received the regional Golden Owl Award for his work as an agriculture educator from organizers of the same program he started in.
Join Kentucky educators at the 2026 Family Engagement Leadership Summit
The Family Engagement Leadership Summit is a professional learning event for those dedicated to advancing effective family-school-community partnerships, K-12.
Applications now open to bring artists to your school!
The Kentucky Arts Council is still accepting applications for the Teaching Art Together program. Educators interested in hosting a teaching artist in their classroom during the 2026-2027 school year are encouraged to apply by Sept. 1


