Educators Rising Recap

Over 300 high school students attended the NKU College of Education’s 3rd annual Educators Rising Regional Conference on November 21st, 2025. Students interested in teaching careers traveled from schools across Kentucky to attend this conference. By offering early exposure to teaching, real-world classroom insights and engagement with the teaching professions, this event helps students make more informed career decisions and connects them with NKU early.

The opening session featured remarks from Dean Ginni Fair of the College of Education, Bree Massie of Educators Rising, and Lily Russell, the President Elect of Educators Rising Kentucky. High school students participated in sessions throughout the day focused on elementary education art careers, music education, leadership, AI in education, inclusive and equitable classroom environments for all students, and much more.

Dr. Eileen Shanahan, Teacher Preparation and Education Studies Department Chair said, “The Educators Rising Conference here at NKU has provided us the opportunity to collaborate with and build relationships with the students at our region’s high schools who are interested in teaching. We are honored to be a small part of fostering their passion for the profession at the conference and showcase our programs, students, and faculty that they would get to work with should they choose to attend NKU.”

Additionally, students learned about community college pathways into entering NKU, and other NKU opportunities such as the Honors College. Students also had the opportunity to prepare for education-related competitions and receive feedback from College of Education faculty and students. Some of the competitions included preparing and delivering a lesson plan, composing a children’s literature book, researching an ethical dilemma in teaching, and performing their Educators Rising Moment – the point in time in which they decided to pursue a career in education.