Area English teachers named to advisory council

By TONY FYFFE

BSN Editor

FRANKFORT – Two teachers from the big Sandy region are among 14 public school educators named to the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) Teachers Advisory Council (TAC).

Scott Osborn of Lawrence County High School and Charlene Martin of Paintsville High School, both of whom teach English, were appointed to the council, which is designed to improve Kentucky’s educational landscape by providing the commissioner of education with direct input from classrooms.

Bridging the gap between policy and practice, the TAC was created to advise the commissioner on educational priorities so students of the are well-prepared for any career they choose, according to Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass.

“The voices of our teachers are crucial as we work to shape the future of education here in Kentucky,” Glass said. “Too often teachers are left out of decision-making that directly impacts them and their classrooms. I believe in the voices of our educators and I look forward to continue working alongside this council to form a stronger education system for our state.”

The new members join 11 returning members of the council.

Nearly 100 teachers from across Kentucky applied for a spot on the advisory council. A screening committee reviewed the applications by prioritizing National Board Certification, diverse content and specialty areas, and categorizing applicants geographically to ensure representation from the 12 regions of the state.

New members will begin their three-year term at the council’s next meeting on Thursday.