天美传媒

MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� The Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) proudly hosted Ed Rising, a career exploration and competition event designed to inspire and prepare high school students for future careers in education on Thursday, Nov. 14. Held at 天美传媒, the event brought together 356 students from 21 schools, including three from outside the 天美传媒 service region.

Ed Rising is a Career and Technical Student Organization that offers a unique opportunity for students passionate about education to explore teaching as a career.

Ashley Bourke, alternative certification coordinator, said the event serves as a recruitment tool for the College of Education and Human Services.

鈥淓veryone in TQI is a former classroom teacher,鈥� Bourke said. 鈥淭his event gives us the chance to work with students and encourage their interest in education. It鈥檚 a great recruiting opportunity for 天美传媒 since we鈥檙e able to bring so many students to campus.鈥�

The event is a vital part of the district鈥檚 Grow Your Own programs, which focus on recruiting students to return to teach in their home districts. Ed Rising is specifically designed to provide hands-on experience and foster leadership, while helping students discover the exciting opportunities in the education field.

With eight competitions available, students demonstrated their abilities in public speaking, job interviews and classroom material design. These activities allow participants to build real-world skills while gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to become an educator.

Bourke said the competitions follow national Educator Rising guidelines.

鈥淲e use the guidelines provided by the national organization and make adjustments to fit our space and personnel,鈥� Bourke said.

Bourke added that she enjoys bringing students with similar interests together at the event.

鈥淭his event gives us a chance to shine a positive light on a career in education,鈥� Bourke said. 鈥淚 enjoy seeing the returning students. There are some students who attend every year, from freshman to senior. With the inclusion of middle school students, I hope to see some of them for even more years.鈥�

Bourke also hopes students and their instructors find Ed Rising beneficial.

鈥淚 want students to return to their schools fired up to become educators and to recruit more students into their Ed Rising organizations,鈥� Bourke said.

Information about next year鈥檚 Ed Rising will be sent out in August 2025, with registration opening in mid-September.