Local high school one of 10 in Kentucky to receive $50,000 grant to address teacher shortage

GLASGOW Ky.-A large grant coming in from the Kentucky Department of Education has been awarded to 10 schools in the state, one of which is in South-Central Kentucky.

Barren County High School has been awarded the $50,000 ‘Grow your Own Grant,’ which is designed to recruit, develop and retain teachers who are already connected in the school or community.

Barren County High School is planning to use a portion of the funding to expand their current Educators Rising program which is led by teacher Samantha Huffman. Members of the program are those who are interested in the field of education.

Principal Amy Irwin says this funding came at a good time, since teacher shortages are common at the moment.

“We’re excited that this is going to grow our own and hopefully get those kids to come back and already have that connection with us. I believe if you interview any administrator in our region, we all speak to each other a lot about the shortage. We’re excited to be a part of the solution,” Irwin said.

Students like Barren County High School junior Aleia Harper say this is great news for those wanting to pursue a career in education, giving them a chance to try it out before graduating.

“I would definitely say to try to be in Educators Rising and get involved that way, because I know that Miss Huffman is trying her best to get us into the schools and for us to learn about education and I think that would be the best way to start,” Harper said.