WKU News

Western Kentucky University’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is leading the way as institutions across the state celebrate the cutting edge diversity, equity, and inclusion plan released today by Kentucky Gov., Andy Beshear.

On March 4, Gov. Andy Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass and other state education leaders announced the relaunch of the Kentucky Academy for Equity in Teaching (KAET). The statewide initiative will help Kentucky institutions recruit and retain a more diverse workforce of teachers and is described as a “urgent goal” for the success of every Kentucky student, per Beshear.

“We appreciate the support of the Commonwealth as we continue our efforts towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in the teacher workforce,” Corinne Murphy, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences said. “WKU looks forward to growing our current partnerships, and establishing new partnerships, in support of culturally responsive pedagogy and increased access to our education programs.”

Currently, CEBS maintains steady advancement of its Grow Your Own Scholarship program which creates a pipeline of talented educators through strategic partnerships with Kentucky school districts. Undergraduate students who participate in the district-based Grow Your Own initiative complete their foundational studies with their Bowling Green-based peers. The students then transition

to a district-based clinical model, where practicum and student teaching experiences occur in their home districts. At the graduate level, WKU continues to celebrate its partnership with the community based organization, the GameChangers, in support of current school district staff. The collaboration between Warren County Public Schools and Bowling Green Independent Schools enhances the opportunity for Black and Underrepresented individuals to earn teaching credentials as working adult learners.

Additionally, CEBS recently launched a flagship dual-credit partnership with Louisville’s Waggener High School designed to prepare high school students for university general education requirements leveraging supported mentorship. The partnership provides students access to higher education by easing financial barriers and providing extensive student guidance prior to entering college.

Furthering the recruitment pipeline and in support of our mission of diversity, equity and inclusivity among educators, WKU partners with area school districts through the Young Male Leadership Academy. The program, supported by CEBS’ Recruitment Coordinator for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Teaching, Julia Rivas, is designed to develop leadership skills in young males of diverse backgrounds who are interested in teaching. Participants compete in state and national Educator Rising competitions. Most recently, CEBS has partnered with regional high schools to establish new Educator Rising chapters as well as a collegiate Educator Rising chapter.

With inclusive pedagogy as a core function within our educational programs and recruitment strategy, CEBS will continue to build on current efforts as we expand our diversity footprint in 2021. To follow along for further updates from the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, please consider joining our social media audiences on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.