Webinar: Showcasing Educators Rising Kentucky • 3/26/26

Posted on February 26, 2026

Thursday, March 26, 2026
from 4:30-5:15 PM ET

What does a thriving Grow Your Own program actually look like in practice? In this recent webinar, Educators Rising’s Molly Kauffman sat down with three colleagues from Kentucky — state coordinator Brie Massey, veteran teacher leader Leah Jefferson, and student state officer Alyssa Pollard — to share how one state is turning the teacher shortage into an opportunity.

From a state conference that drew nearly 900 students to chapters growing across every region of the commonwealth, Kentucky’s story is full of concrete strategies and genuinely inspiring moments. You’ll hear how districts are building sustainable pipelines, how dual-credit pathways and real classroom experiences are reshaping what it means to “prepare” a future teacher, and how student leadership — not just adult programming — is driving it all.

Standout moments include a student-led lip sync video that opened the state conference, a first-ever delegate meeting where students shaped next year’s planning, and Alyssa’s own account of going from chapter social media manager to state officer and Capitol advocate — all because she decided to apply for something she wasn’t sure she’d get.

Whether you’re exploring Educators Rising for the first time or looking to strengthen a program you’ve already started, this conversation will give you both the inspiration and the practical roadmap to move forward.

Educators Rising’s Grow Your Own Webinar Series is a free informational program offered to the public at large, focusing on the activities, products, and services offered by Educators Rising. By signing up for our events, you agree to provide us the ability to send you marketing emails about these activities, products, and services. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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If you missed a webinar, you can view past recordings of our webinars for a limited time.

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Each year, Educators Rising hosts a national conference to convene our network of rising educators and teacher leaders. It’s a unique opportunity for students and their teacher leaders to compete, connect, learn, and network with other rising educators and practicing professionals.