Feeling thankful for Kentucky’s educators and support staff as we ring in the new year
Perhaps the most joyful part of the role of education commissioner is the ability to show thanks to so many people who are involved in educating and supporting our children across the Commonwealth.
Signs of progress and optimism for the road ahead
Each year, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) releases assessment and accountability results for students, schools and districts across the Commonwealth. They serve as a reminder of where we are with our collective efforts to improve the education Kentucky’s children receive in the classroom.
Celebrating our educators and supporting our students
As a former teacher, I believe there is no higher calling within a profession than to be a teacher. One of the joys I have each year as commissioner of education is to celebrate our best during the Kentucky Teacher of the Year ceremony.
Kentucky educators are dedicated to continuous improvement
One of the premier events KDE hosts each year to further this effort is the Continuous Improvement Summit each September.
Renewed effort to highlight the importance of regular school attendance
The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time, and I wish nothing but the best for our students and our educators as the year progresses. This has always been my favorite time of the year, welcoming students, educators and staff back into the buildings, filled with joy and the passion to learn.
Kentucky can have innovative assessment and accountability systems that encourage vibrant learning experiences
Kentucky students deserve to have vibrant learning experiences in their schools. When students have vibrant experiences in their classrooms, they have relevant, authentic and joyful opportunities for learning that truly matters to them.
Sending the next generation off to their futures
The end of the school year always seems like it comes up quickly. One moment, you’re welcoming students back from their summer vacations and setting goals for the new year; the next moment, you’re watching your students walk across the graduation stage and celebrating their academic accomplishments.
Appreciating teachers and highlighting their importance
The first full week of May marks Teacher Appreciation Week, which is the perfect time to express gratitude for all of the incredible work that our educators do.
KDE remains committed to providing vibrant learning experiences for Kentucky’s children
I know many of you are paying close attention to decisions made by the Trump Administration regarding education, including the recent executive order aimed at closing the U.S. Department of Education (USED).
Celebrating agriculture in the classroom
Getting the chance to speak with students involved in agriculture programs earlier this year, I saw just how eager students can be for education when it involves vibrant learning experiences that are relevant to the community and the world around them.