Asbury University will host the Educators Rising Kentucky conference on October 23. High school students with a passion for education will spend the day hearing from faculty and regional leaders, connecting with peers from other schools, and exploring what college life is like on the Asbury University campus. This conference is open to both individual students and groups registered by teachers or counselors.
“Teachers change the world,” said Dr. David Riel, Asbury’s clinical director for the School of Education. “They’re literally changing lives every day. Last year, I was in the dining hall with some of our Educators Rising high school participants, and I asked one of them, ‘How’s the day going?’ And she said to me, ‘This is the best day of my life.’ And I thought, ‘Okay, that’s what we’re trying to do: get people inspired to go out there and change the lives of other people.’”
Educators Rising Kentucky, formerly known as Future Educators of America (FEA), is the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for middle and high school students interested in the field of education-related careers. As the state affiliate, Educators Rising Kentucky partners with Phi Delta Kappa to create a national network helping students build resources and create connections that can significantly impact educational opportunities through co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
Educators Rising transforms how America develops aspiring teachers. Starting with high school students, Educators Rising provides passionate young people with hands-on teaching experience, sustains their interest in the profession, and helps them cultivate the skills they need to be successful educators.
Through local chapter or individual membership, Educators Rising Kentucky students have opportunities to participate in projects that assist and recognize educator practices through local, state, and national conferences as well as performance-based competitions.
Asbury Education alumni continue to impact local and global classrooms. Jennifer Puckett ’01 Montgomery recently received the 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year award from the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). C.D. Morton ’92, superintendent of Harlan Independent School District, was named Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Superintendent of the Year in April. Four teachers received “Teacher of the Year” awards in the Jessamine County School District: Angela Terry ’11, Ellen Kenimer ’08, Fred Luchtenburg ’13, and Amy Harlan ’25 (Ed.S).
This summer, the School of Education returned to Hungary in partnership with One Mission Society (OMS) to conduct an English Camp for over 80 students in Letenye. Under the leadership of Dr. Barbara Hamilton ’92, Glenn Hamilton ’91, and Nathan Thallman ’24, 12 undergraduate students and two recent alumni, Hannah Jones ’25 and Olivia Parsons ’25, served over 80 students through lessons in English, Bible, Music, Crafts, and Recreation.
Asbury University offers Traditional and Online Undergraduate programs in Education; the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree for initial certification; and M.A. programs in English as a Second Language Endorsement, Learning and Behavior Disorders, Literacy Specialist P-12, and Principal Licensure. Additional degree programs include the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Principal Licensure with Instructional Supervisor (dual licensure) and certifications for Director of Pupil Personnel, Instructional Supervisor, and School Superintendent. Learn more about the Asbury University School of Education.