The Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) science consultants are proud to congratulate Owensboro Public Schools on being selected as one of four districts for the second cohort of the RISE Leadership Academy.
The RISE Leadership Academy cultivates a collaborative network of teacher leaders who engage in ongoing, meaningful, curriculum-based professional learning (CBPL) to enhance science instruction across Kentucky. By leveraging high-quality instructional resources (HQIR) and modeling intellectual preparation, RISE empowers educators to implement three-dimensional, inquiry-based science teaching effectively.
The teachers selected from Owensboro Public Schools are Lindsey Alvey (District Math/Science Coordinator), Kathleen Ayer (Foust 2nd Grade), Olivia Owen (Foust 4th Grade), Cassandra Oliver (Owensboro Middle School) and Cary Hicks (Owensboro High School).
Several districts submitted applications for this cohort, and these four were selected to engage in this work alongside OTL science consultants. Each unified district science team includes four teacher leaders, one from each grade band (primary, intermediate, middle and high), working alongside the district administrator. Throughout the year, this team will collaborate through structured in-person and virtual sessions focused on intellectual preparation, effective science teaching and learning strategies, and formative assessment practices. This work builds teacher leadership capacity while fostering a coherent K-12 vision for science education, ensuring alignment with the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Science.
Last year’s cohort spoke to just how impactful this experience can be to inspire change by shifting mindsets, implementing high-quality instructional resources, and building the capacity of teacher leaders to drive lasting improvements in science education within their district. Participants shared that the ongoing professional learning made a real difference for student learning and gave teachers the confidence to step out of their comfort zone and lead their colleagues through unit and lesson internalization, utilizing the KDE Intellectual Preparation guidance.
Through collaboration, leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, these districts are positioned to create lasting change for science educators and students alike.