Updates/News
Teach Kentucky Named Non-Profit of the Year!
- February 21, 2025
- Posted by: Kristen Garner
- Category: Misc
On February 20th, Teach Kentucky was honored to receive the Non-Profit of the Year award at the Chamber of St. Matthews Annual Meeting! This recognition is a testament to the impact of our mission, the dedication of our small but mighty team, and—most importantly—the passion and perseverance of our teachers.
For 24 years, Teach Kentucky has been committed to transforming education in the Louisville community by recruiting, mentoring, and retaining highly motivated educators to serve in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). We tackle the teacher shortage head-on by bringing talented individuals from across the country to teach in Louisville’s classrooms—often relocating here without knowing anyone but our team. It’s a leap of faith that over 520 aspiring educators have taken, and we are honored to support them every step of the way.
A Mission with a Lasting Impact
At its core, Teach Kentucky’s mission is about building a strong, diverse, and well-supported teaching workforce. The impact of this work ripples far beyond individual classrooms. When schools lack consistent, qualified teachers, students suffer—missing out on the relationships and mentorship that are key to their success. Teach Kentucky ensures that passionate, talented educators fill these roles, providing stability for both students and the community.
Beyond education, our teachers contribute to Louisville’s growth and vitality. They buy homes, shop at local businesses, and become deeply engaged members of the community. While many of our educators move here from other states, an increasing number are native Louisvillians who now have a pathway to teaching through our expanded recruitment efforts. By supporting local college graduates in earning their teaching certifications, Teach Kentucky not only fills critical vacancies but also creates career and financial stability for local residents.
A Year of Milestones
This past year has been one of growth, innovation, and impact for Teach Kentucky. Some of our biggest accomplishments include:
- Welcoming our largest-ever cohort of 39 new teachers to JCPS.
- Expanding our efforts to recruit local college graduates into teaching careers.
- Increasing the number of multilingual educators in our program to better serve Louisville’s growing immigrant and multilingual student population.
- Supporting immigrant teachers in earning certification and using their degrees earned abroad to teach in JCPS.
Currently, over 150 languages are spoken in JCPS, and 20% of students are classified as multilingual learners. Teach Kentucky has responded to this need by ensuring that 18% of our most recent cohort are multilingual teachers—several of whom are immigrants themselves. These educators bring not only language skills but also cultural understanding and empathy that are invaluable for students navigating life in a new country.
Community Connections: The Key to Our Success
One of the reasons Teach Kentucky has thrived is its strong connections across multiple sectors of the community. We work closely with JCPS and higher education institutions like the University of Louisville and Spalding University to address the teacher shortage collaboratively. But our impact extends beyond education—we ensure that new teachers feel truly at home in Louisville.
We actively network with local businesses, service providers, and community organizations to provide personalized support for our teachers. Whether it’s recommending a realtor, a doctor, or a favorite coffee shop, we help our teachers settle into their new city with ease. Additionally, our Community Reception events connect teacher candidates with local leaders, helping them envision a future here in Louisville.
Looking Ahead
Receiving the Non-Profit of the Year award is a moment of celebration, but it’s also a reminder of the work that remains. We will continue to expand recruitment efforts, strengthen support systems, and advocate for teachers—because every student deserves a high-quality education, and every teacher deserves the resources they need to succeed.
This award isn’t just about Teach Kentucky—it’s about every teacher who has made Louisville their home, every student they’ve inspired, and every partner who has supported our mission. Thank you for believing in us. This one’s for you.