Future Educators in Spotlight for 2025 Teacher Signing Day

On its second annual Teacher Signing Day, Fayette County Public Schools celebrated 52 high school seniors interested in careers in education. That number more than doubled last year’s group of honorees. 

Emcee Lori Bowen from Human Resources introduced each student, with their high school, intended major, and college of choice as they walked the red carpet at the John D. Price Administration Building. In late May, they will wear the custom white stoles with the phrase “Future Educator” over their graduation gowns, and – along with classmates entering the military – will receive a special shout-out during commencements at Rupp Arena. 

“The future of public education is right here,” Bowen said, looking around the room. “We can’t wait to see the legacy you will build.” 

The keynote speaker, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman spoke of her path from the classroom to public service. As a former teacher, assistant principal, and basketball coach, she was well-prepared when Andy Beshear picked her as his running mate. “There’s no way I could have known the doors that being a teacher would open for me,” she told the seniors, noting, “Doors will open because teachers can do whatever they put their minds to.”  

Coleman also emphasized that educators have an opportunity to make a significant impact on young people. And during the event, FCPS saluted four women selected by their students as Teachers Who Made A Difference: Iris Isaacs of Frederick Douglass High School, Amanda Sewell of Tates Creek High School, Ann-Marie Spoonamore of Henry Clay High School, and Anna Watts of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

In another highlight, three of the seniors received scholarships for their academic and extracurricular efforts. Jordan Woods of Lafayette High School earned the Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk Jr. Memorial Scholarship ($2,500), established after the December 2020 death of our former superintendent and presented by the Fayette Education Foundation. In addition, Lindsay Bylund of Frederick Douglass High and Tyren Harris of Carter G. Woodson Academy received the Fayette County Education Association scholarships ($1,000 each). 

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins praised all the students for considering and pursuing a difficult but rewarding career track. “In a few weeks I look forward to saying goodbye to you as a student and in a few years welcoming you back as a colleague,” he said. 

Did You Know?

The district’s Grow Your Own initiative encourages students to consider an education degree in college and to come back and serve in FCPS classrooms. The Educators Rising club, internships, and volunteer opportunities also help prepare our aspiring teachers.