(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) applauded the creation of a new office within the agency that will serve as the administrative arm of the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), which was previously under the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

The creation of the Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness comes as a result of an executive order signed by Gov. Matt Bevin on Aug. 1 that transfers the administrative functions of EPSB to KDE. Under the executive order, the authority of the EPSB executive director is transferred to the commissioner of education.

“This new structure provides for greater coordination of the state’s efforts pertaining to educator preparation, licensure and professional development,” said KDE Interim Commissioner Wayne Lewis. “The order will create a more streamlined and efficient system for ensuring that Kentucky students have access to well-prepared and effective educators.”

Lewis has selected former Woodford County High School Principal Rob Akers to fill the position of associate commissioner of the Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness.

“I have known and worked with Rob for many years. He has served as Woodford County High School’s principal for more than 13 years and he has done an exceptional job,” said Lewis. “He will be a valuable asset to the department as associate commissioner of the Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness.”

Akers joined the KDE staff Aug. 1.

Divisions within the Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness remain consistent with those previously under EPSB and include the Division of Educator Ethics, the Division of Educator Preparation, Assessment and Internship and the Division of Certification. Contact information for the divisions remains unchanged.