The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is looking for new GoTeachKy ambassadors for the 2025-2026 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 will 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 also will foster positive in-person connections with colleagues and students at secondary and post-secondary schools. As representatives of the teaching profession, ambassadors will provide valuable information to those considering teaching careers and contribute to the elevation of the teaching profession.
To be eligible for the GoTeachKY Ambassador program, participants must:
• Hold a valid Kentucky teaching certificate in good standing with Education Professional Standards Board;
• 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 his/her school role;
• Be proficient in using social media platforms;
• Have strong written and oral communication skills;
• Be able to attend the state Educators Rising Competition all day March 5, 2026, in Louisville. Substitute reimbursement will be available for your district for the day; and
• Be willing to work on a small group project with a regional group related to school climate 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. Reimbursement for your substitute will be available.) The meeting dates are:
• Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ET (in Frankfort, required)
• Nov. 12, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
• Dec. 10, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
• Jan. 21, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
• Feb. 18, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
• March 18, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
• April 15, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
• May 20, 2026, 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET (online)
• Jun 17, 2026, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ET (in Frankfort)
Ambassadors will receive a $75 monthly stipend with opportunities to earn additional compensation.
Are you ready to apply? Visit www.goteachky.com to get started today! Applications close on Sept. 30. Please forward to your network of outstanding educators as well.
Please note: This application does have a section to upload a video file answering the question, “Record a short video (less than 3 minutes) answering the following question. Who inspired you to become a teacher and how did they inspire you?” You 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@education.ky.gov or jarvis.terrell@education.ky.gov at the Kentucky Department of Education.
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