Kentucky Association of Elementary School Principals

Initial Certified Evaluation Training
All NEW EVALUATORS must attend this 2-day, 12-hour EILA credit training, per 704 KAR 3:370 and KRS 156.557 and pass the corresponding assessment.

This training is for NEW evaluators of certified personnel only. Initial Certified Evaluation may be obtained virtually OR in person. Please share training information with new school leaders so they can secure a spot as soon as possible.

In-Person Initial Certified Evaluation Training Dates and Locations:

Aug. 18-19: Kentucky Educational Development Corporation, Lexington
Sept. 9-10: Green River Regional Educational Cooperative, Bowling Green
Sept. 22-23: Southeast/South-Central Educational Cooperative, London
Oct. 20-21: Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative, Shelbyville
Oct. 27-28: Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative, Lexington
In-person training times are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. local time.

Virtual Initial Certified Evaluation Training Dates:

Nov. 18-19
Jan. 6-7, 2027
Feb. 10-11, 2027
Virtual training times are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ET.

Certified Evaluation UPDATE Training
The 6-hour P3 Certified Evaluation UPDATE training meets the requirements outlined in 704 KAR 3:370 and KRS 156.557 that all EXPERIENCED EVALUATORS must attend a 6-hour EILA-approved training, annually.

This training is for evaluators of certified personnel who have already completed the 12-hour Initial Certified Evaluation training. The P3 Certified Evaluation Update training may be obtained virtually or in person. Both training options are newly designed for the 2026-2027 school year.

Training sessions often fill up quickly. Register now to secure your spot!
Sept. 1: West Kentucky Educational Cooperative, Eddyville
Sept. 15: Southeast/South-Central Educational Cooperative, London
Sept. 29: Green River Regional Educational Cooperative, Bowling Green
Oct. 15: Kentucky Educational Development Corporation, Lexington
Virtual Update Training Dates:
Aug. 25
Nov. 3
Virtual training times are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ET, with 1 hour of required asynchronous pre-work.

Revised Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Reading and Writing Adopted into Law
The revised Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Reading and Writing have been adopted into law and shall be implemented in Kentucky public schools beginning in the fall 2026.

PIMSER Numeracy Counts Administrator Academy
For elementary principals, assistant principals and district leaders
Apply for PIMSER Numeracy Counts Administrator Academy
Cohort 2 applications are open now! Join educators and leaders across Kentucky working together to strengthen K-5 mathematics instruction.

These academies provide a unique opportunity for teachers and leaders to grow their numeracy expertise while collaborating with educators from across Kentucky. We encourage you to share these opportunities with teachers and leaders in your district or school who are passionate about strengthening mathematics teaching and learning.

Questions about the PIMSER Numeracy Counts Administrator: Kim Zeidler-Watters and Amy Rhodes.

2026 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit
Sept. 21-22, Central Bank Center, Lexington

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Cognia invite you to a two-day event designed to elevate your impact in education. Mark your calendars to attend the 2026 Kentucky Continuous Improvement Summit on Sept. 21-22 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional learning, strengthen existing relationships or tackle unique challenges with fresh strategies, this conference is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to spark new ideas, gain insights from KDE leaders and join Kentucky’s continuous improvement movement!

Leadership Moves That Strengthen School Climate
The Impact Kentucky Working Conditions Survey offers valuable insight into your school’s culture. KDE is gathering examples of how principals are using this data to support staff and strengthen their schools.

Our team is developing a statewide toolkit for principals and we would appreciate learning how you focus on strengthening school culture and supporting educator well-being in your building.

You can share through a brief form or a short call – whatever works best.

Thank you for your leadership and support of positive working conditions.

Elly Gilbert
Assistant Director
Division of Educator Recruitment and Development
KDE's Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness

Using a lab classroom approach for professional development

Edutopia

Professional development is one of the most important investments a school can make, yet too often the closest expertise is overlooked. While conferences, consultants, and workshops all have their place, many educators are looking for learning experiences that are authentic, practical, and immediately applicable to their own classrooms. In short, many teachers and their leaders wish they could find professional development opportunities closer to home.

Using a Lab Classroom Approach for Professional Development Watching a colleague implement an instructional practice with students is a highly effective way for the observers to learn it.

25 Ways To Motivate Teachers

What special things do principals do to inspire teachers to keep on learning and improving? What do they do to make their schools fun places to work? Included: Principals share more than two dozen practical ideas for motivating teachers!

25 Ways to Motivate Teachers | Education World What special things do great Principals do to keep good teachers motivated throughout the year? Here are 25 quick tips!

AI transparency in schools starts with questions and conversation

Edutopia

Schools face growing questions about AI safety, student data and oversight. Experts say policies alone are not enough to build trust. Success starts with shared understanding among educators, families and students.

AI Transparency in Schools Starts With Questions and Conversation Everyone is asking the same questions about AI. Here’s how schools should start answering them—in conversation with teachers, staff, and students’ families.

Education leaders must stop getting distracted by the shiniest new idea. Here's how

Education Week

We live in a world where we are given about 60 seconds to capture the attention of others. TikTok and Instagram videos are expected to be under a minute. As if that isn't daunting enough, social media "experts" remind us that the first 10 seconds often determine whether people will keep watching

Ed. Leaders Must Stop Getting Distracted by the Shiniest New Idea. Here’s How (Opinion) Effective school leadership depends on slowing down, asking better questions, and reflecting.