Graphic reading: KDE News, Kentucky Department of Education(FRANKFORT, KY) – The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has opened applications for new GoTeachKY Ambassadors for the 2026-2027 school year.

The mission of GoTeachKY, an initiative of KDE, is to ensure that all students across the Commonwealth have equitable access to effective educators. GoTeachKY seeks to recruit the next generation of teachers in Kentucky, helping remedy the critical teacher shortage that affects every state in the U.S.

GoTeachKY Ambassadors act as the face of the GoTeachKY initiative, connecting with prospective educators and community members primarily through digital platforms like social media and Microsoft Teams. They foster positive in-person connections with colleagues and students at secondary and post-secondary schools.

As representatives of the teaching profession, ambassadors provide valuable information to those considering teaching careers and contribute to the elevation of the teaching profession. Teachers can apply to be an ambassador by filling out the GoTeachKY Ambassador Program Application.

In order to apply, applicants must:

  • Hold a valid Kentucky teaching certificate in good standing with Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB);
  • Hold a teaching position in a Kentucky public school (and anticipate being employed in this role during the next school year);
  • Have at least four years of experience as a teacher, principal or other certified school staff member, up to and including the current school year;
  • Have daily, meaningful interaction with students and educators in their school role;
  • Be proficient in using social media platforms;
  • Have strong written and oral communication skills;
  • Be able to attend the Kentucky Educators Rising Competition March 1-2, 2027, in Lexington. Substitute reimbursement will be available for your district; and
  • Be willing to work on a project with a regional group related to career exploration for future teachers that you will speak about to the group during meetings.

GoTeachKY Ambassadors also must be able to attend a minimum of 80% of monthly meetings. The first meeting is in person and required, and there will be reimbursement available for your substitute. The meeting dates are:

  • Oct. 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (in Frankfort, required)
  • Nov. 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
  • Dec. 9, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
  • Jan. 20, 2027, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
  • Feb. 17, 2027, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
  • March 17, 2027, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
  • April 21, 2027, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
  • May 19, 2027, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
  • June 16, 2027, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (in Frankfort)

Ambassadors will receive a $75 monthly stipend with opportunities to earn additional compensation.

Please visit the GoTeachKY Ambassador Program page to learn more and apply. Applications close on Sept. 30, and applicants will be informed of the decision on or before the end of the first full week of October. Please forward to your network of outstanding educators as well.

Please note, the application has a video component, asking applicants to record a short video (less than three minutes) answering the following questions: Who inspired you to become a teacher and how did they inspire you? Applicants may want to record this video and upload it to a cloud platform such as Google Drive prior to starting this application. The name and photo associated with your Google account will be recorded when you upload files and submit this form.

For more information, please email Justin Edwards.