Students to Host Public Hearing on Teacher Shortage and Wellness as Kentucky Hits Landmark Lows in the Profession

As part of their ongoing fight to secure a quality public education for every student in Kentucky, the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) will convene a youth-led public hearing on Educator Retention and Wellness on Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Morehead State University Adron Doran University Center in room 329.

This hearing is about listening to parents, students and teachers to find ways to make our public schools better. It comes almost a year after a historic lawsuit filed by KSVT and 13 student plaintiffs in January, which claims the Commonwealth has failed to provide an “adequate and equitable education system” as guaranteed by the landmark 1989 Rose v. Council for Better Education court decision.

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KSVT’s November 15 hearing will shine a spotlight on one of the many issues raised in the lawsuit: the massive shortage of educators able to teach in KY classrooms. Educators in Kentucky are paid less than the national average, have less professional development opportunities and are under constant pressure from political forces. The hearing will focus on concrete solutions to ensure every student has access to qualified, supported and inspiring educators. 

The event will feature four experts in the teaching profession as witnesses: 

• Allison Slone, Educator, Rowan County Schools; Founder, Kentucky Teachers In The Know
• Mary Slone, Educator, Floyd County Schools
• Jaylee Collier, Student, Morehead State University College of Education
• Christina Trosper, Educator, Knox County Public Schools
  

Through testimony and discussion that will be moderated by high school students, the hearing will elevate local solutions to improve civic learning.

WHAT: Youth-Led Public Hearing on Teacher Retention & Wellness
WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Adron Doran University Center, room 329, 400 E 2nd St, Morehead, KY 40351 (Google Maps)
WHO: Student examiners, teachers and teacher advocates as expert witnesses
RSVP: The event is free and open to the public. Media and policymakers are especially encouraged to attend. Reserve a free ticket online here.

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About the Kentucky Student Voice Team‍

The Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) is an independent, statewide, 501(c)(3) organization co-founded in 2012 by a group of Kentucky high school students. As a collective of young people, KSVT is on a mission to co-create more just, democratic Kentucky schools and communities as research, policy-advocacy & storytelling  partners.