The Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Office of Teaching and Learning has named Sara Merideth as the new academic consultant for world languages.
“Throughout her career, Sara has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to world language education and to the success of Kentucky’s educators and students,” said Chrystal Rowland, director of KDE’s Division of Program Standards. “Her leadership in standards development, curriculum design and professional learning, combined with more than two decades of classroom and coaching experience, will be an asset to teaching and learning across the Commonwealth.”
As she begins her new role, Merideth said she is looking forward to collaborating with educators across Kentucky to support high-quality world language programs. She plans to build strong partnerships with teachers, district leaders, universities, business and industry leaders, community organizations and professional associations while providing resources, professional learning opportunities and guidance that help schools expand access to language learning for all students.
“Working in collaboration with both school and community stakeholders will not only strengthen world language education in Kentucky but will also empower our students to make meaningful connections between language learning in the classroom, college and career readiness, and community engagement,” Merideth said.
A major focus of her work will be leading the upcoming revision of the Kentucky Academic Standards for World Language. Merideth said she is committed to ensuring the revised standards continue to reflect current research on language acquisition, proficiency-based learning and intercultural competence while meeting the evolving needs of Kentucky’s students and educators.
“World language education is an essential part of preparing Kentucky students for success in an increasingly interconnected world,” Merideth said. “Learning another language helps students develop effective communication skills, cultural understanding, empathy, adaptability and critical thinking.”
Her vision aligns closely with Kentucky’s Portrait of a Learner, which emphasizes the development of empowered learners, effective communicators, globally and culturally competent citizens, innovative problem solvers and productive collaborators.
“I believe that world language classrooms provide students with authentic opportunities to cultivate these attributes as they learn to communicate across languages and cultures while exploring diverse perspectives,” Merideth said.
As Kentucky continues to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of a global society, Merideth said she is excited to work alongside educators throughout the Commonwealth to strengthen world language education and ensure every student has the opportunity to become a globally competent learner.
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