Coventry Oak Teacher Tapped as KDE Ambassador

A fifth-grade teacher at Coventry Oak Elementary, Kaitlyn Kelly, is among this year’s class of ambassadors for the Kentucky Department of Education. The mission of GoTeachKY is to ensure that all students across the Commonwealth have equitable access to effective educators, and the program seeks to recruit and inspire the next generation of teachers.

“I want to share that teaching is more than a career — it’s a calling that shapes the future one student at a time,” said Kelly, who enjoys connecting with her students and forming strong  relationships. “My goal is to inspire others to see the joy, purpose, and lasting impact found in education and most importantly, teaching. As an ambassador, I hope to grow as a leader and connect with other passionate educators who are committed to making a difference in Kentucky’s schools.”

This is Kelly’s 11th year in education and her first in Fayette County Public Schools. Previously, she taught first grade in Madison County and third grade in Perry County, where she also served as an instructional coach. Kelly earned a bachelor’s in Education from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s degree in Teaching from the University of the Cumberlands.  

KDE selected two dozen ambassadors for the 2025–26 cohort, which represents a mix of grade levels, subject areas, and geographic regions. The ambassadors have three goals:

• Communicate with and inspire students in high school and college to consider teaching as a career
• Engage with potential and current teachers to highlight the rewards and opportunities of the profession
• Support and promote the central focus areas, programs, and organizations of GoTeachKY, such  Educators Rising Kentucky and the Teaching and Learning career pathway

During their term, Kelly and her fellow ambassadors will participate in professional learning and outreach opportunities; represent GoTeachKY at career fairs, conferences and community events; and share their stories through social media.