# KDE opens applications for 2026-2027 GoTeachKY Ambassadors **Published:** 2026-08-05T20:54:06.000Z **Source:** [Kentucky Teacher](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/applications-are-open-for-2026-2027-goteachky-ambassadors/) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/kde-opens-applications-for-2026-2027-goteachky-ambassadors The [Kentucky Department of Education has opened applications for new GoTeachKY Ambassadors](https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/applications-are-open-for-2026-2027-goteachky-ambassadors/) for the 2026-2027 school year as part of its ongoing effort to recruit and retain educators across the state. [GoTeachKY Ambassadors act as the face of the recruitment initiative](https://goteachky.com/), connecting with prospective educators and community members primarily through digital platforms like social media and Microsoft Teams. They also foster in-person connections with colleagues and students at secondary and post-secondary schools, providing valuable information to those considering teaching careers. The initiative is designed to help address the critical teacher shortage affecting Kentucky and the nation. [Ambassadors represent the teaching profession and contribute to its elevation](https://goteachky.com/resources/grow-your-own/goteachky-ambassador-program/) by sharing their experiences and encouraging future educators to pursue teaching in Kentucky. To be eligible, applicants must hold a valid Kentucky teaching certificate in good standing with the Education Professional Standards Board, maintain a teaching position in a Kentucky public school and anticipate employment in that role during the next school year, have at least four years of experience as a teacher or other certified school staff member, and have daily meaningful interaction with students and educators. [Applicants must also be able to attend the Kentucky Educators Rising Competition March 1-2, 2027, in Lexington](https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/applications-are-open-for-2026-2027-goteachky-ambassadors/). [Applications close on September 30, with applicants informed of decisions by the end of the first full week of October](https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/applications-are-open-for-2026-2027-goteachky-ambassadors/). The application includes a video component requiring applicants to record a short video less than three minutes answering how they were inspired to become a teacher. Interested teachers can find the application and more information on the [GoTeachKY website](https://goteachky.com/resources/grow-your-own/goteachky-ambassador-program/). ## Sources - [Kentucky Teacher](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/applications-are-open-for-2026-2027-goteachky-ambassadors/) - [GoTeachKY Ambassadors application announcement for 2026-2027 school year](https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/applications-are-open-for-2026-2027-goteachky-ambassadors/) - [GoTeachKY official program website](https://goteachky.com/) - [GoTeachKY Ambassador Program page with application details](https://goteachky.com/resources/grow-your-own/goteachky-ambassador-program/) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Kentucky Teacher, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/applications-are-open-for-2026-2027-goteachky-ambassadors/.