Business Details
23 Years
experience
Transform Education with Teach Kentucky
Teach Kentucky is a selective teacher recruitment program dedicated to enhancing public education in Kentucky by attracting highly motivated college graduates to teach in underserved schools. Founded in 2003, our mission combines rigorous teacher preparation with unparalleled community support to ensure long-term retention and success. Our program includes an eight-week Summer Institute, mentorship from veteran educators, and ongoing professional development tailored to the unique challenges of public school teaching. We prioritize candidates with strong content knowledge and a commitment to improving educational outcomes in Louisville and surrounding areas.With a proven track record of retaining 55% of teachers beyond the initial commitment, we bridge talent gaps while fostering economic growth through education. Our alumni network spans 164+ schools, with many educators advancing to leadership roles. Backed by partnerships with top universities and local institutions, we provide financial incentives and a supportive ecosystem to help teachers thrive both professionally and personally. Our community-driven approach ensures new educators integrate seamlessly into Kentucky's vibrant cultural and professional landscape.
Services
Teacher Recruitment
Summer Training Institute
Mentorship Programs
Certification Support
Community Integration
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We provide eight-week summer training with classroom practice and veteran teacher mentorship
- Our program guarantees full teacher certification through partnerships with accredited universities
- We offer personalized placement matching subject expertise with school needs
- Our 55% retention rate exceeds national averages for teacher recruitment programs
- We connect educators with housing, community events, and professional networks
What people say
Exceptional mentorship program
Comprehensive summer training
Strong community support
Career development opportunities
Effective placement matching
Services
Teacher Recruitment
We identify and select high-achieving graduates from accredited institutions nationwide. Our rigorous selection process ensures candidates possess both subject matter expertise and commitment to public education. Participants receive full certification through university partnerships while addressing critical teacher shortages in Kentucky schools.
Summer Training Institute
Our eight-week intensive program combines pedagogical training with practical classroom experience. Participants receive mentorship from veteran educators, develop teaching strategies, and gain hands-on experience through summer school placements before starting their teaching roles.
Mentorship Programs
Each teacher receives multiple mentors including veteran educators, university faculty, and school administrators. Our Retired Teacher Advocates provide personalized guidance to help navigate classroom challenges and professional development opportunities throughout their careers.
Certification Support
We facilitate the alternative certification process through partnerships with accredited universities. Participants earn their Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) while gaining practical experience, with financial support and academic advising throughout their certification journey.
Community Integration
We connect educators with housing resources, cultural events, and professional networks to ensure successful relocation and community involvement. Social activities and networking events help teachers build lasting personal and professional connections in Kentucky.
People
Rowan Claypool
Founder & President
Serial social entrepreneur with 20+ years creating talent pipelines for Louisville. Founded Bulldogs in the Bluegrass before establishing Teach Kentucky in 2003. Yale graduate and recipient of the prestigious Yale Medal in 2005.
Kate Grindon
Director of Instruction
Veteran educator with 15+ years experience in curriculum development and teacher training. National Board Certified in Early Adolescent English/Language Arts. Member of the 2003 inaugural Teach Kentucky cohort.
Barry Methner
Retired Teacher Advocate
13-year special education teacher with Jefferson County Public Schools. KTIP mentor with experience guiding half a dozen new teachers. Joined the Board of Directors in 2023 after retiring from classroom teaching.
Will Coburn
Board Member
Accounting Manager with ATI Technologies and former Notre Dame Club President. Advocate for public education with family ties to teaching. Joined the Board in 2023 with 10+ years financial leadership experience.
David Bodine
Retired Teacher Advocate
Retired principal and counselor with Jefferson County Public Schools. Adjunct faculty member at Bellarmine College of Education. KTIP mentor with six years teaching internship program experience. Joined the Board in 2024.
Questions
What qualifications are required to join Teach Kentucky?
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with strong content knowledge in their subject area. No prior teaching experience is required.
How long is the teaching commitment?
Participants commit to teaching in Kentucky public schools for at least three years, with 55% remaining beyond the initial commitment.
What support is provided during the program?
We offer an eight-week Summer Institute, veteran teacher mentorship, ongoing professional development, and a supportive educator community.
Are there financial incentives available?
Yes, we offer financial support for graduate coursework and provide guidance on loan forgiveness programs for public service educators.
How does the placement process work?
We match candidates' subject expertise and preferences with school needs through collaborative interviews and personalized guidance.
Reviews (1)
Caleb Johnson
Jul 27, 2017
Report
Great organization. Teach for America leaves you high and dry in the classroom. Teach for Kentucky has built a community of the brightest and most innovative teachers in Louisville. You have every bit of support you could imagine. The leadership is driven and opportunities abound.... Give it a shot!
