A Model for Education: EKU and Model Laboratory School Advance Education for the Commonwealth

At EKU’s Model Laboratory School, education majors move beyond theory. Picture stepping into a classroom where seasoned teachers bring educational theories to life, demonstrating strategies and techniques with real P–12 (pre-K through 12th grade) students. Then, it’s your turn—guiding lessons, managing a classroom and connecting with students right on campus. This immersive experience offers EKU students an invaluable, hands-on advantage in their training as future educators.

Eastern Kentucky University has a rich history deeply intertwined with Model Laboratory School, building a strong legacy in teacher education and preparation. Today, Model Lab’s designation as the Commonwealth’s lab school places even greater emphasis on the role EKU and Model Lab hold together in advancing education for the state.

While the state and nation continue to face teacher shortages, EKU’s enrollment in teacher preparation programs climbed 20% over the past three years.

“The biggest thing that I hear from superintendents is that they need more of our teachers,” said Dr. Elizabeth Smith, dean of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences.

Why teachers from EKU? It’s the quality of teachers that come from EKU, Smith believes, and a major component of EKU’s reputation for quality educators comes from its interconnectedness with Model Laboratory School.

“We work in tandem with EKU to provide an applied learning experience for undergraduate students,” said John Williamson, ’90, dean of P–12 education and superintendent of Model Laboratory School. “At the same time, we provide a world-class education for our P–12 students. Our mission is to improve the practice of education for the Commonwealth. It’s for the state, it’s for EKU and it’s for the kids who are here.”

Currently, more than 70 collaborations take place annually between EKU and Model Lab. This includes research, classroom observation and student teaching for education majors and faculty. However, it extends to other areas as well, with opportunities for clinicals and applied learning experiences in nursing, communication disorders, mental health counseling, food and nutrition, occupational therapy, and more.

As plans unfold for a new state-of-the art Model Laboratory School, expanded and strategic opportunities remain top of mind. For example, through joint efforts with the Kentucky Center for School Safety—which is also housed on EKU’s campus—the new Model Lab will serve as a model for school safety.

“Together, EKU and Model Lab serve as a hub to bring aspiring teachers here and train them to serve schools and children statewide,” said State Representative Deanna Frazier Gordon, ’91, local audiologist. “As a proud EKU graduate and a proud parent of Model Lab graduates, I envision countless potential opportunities for partnerships with Model Lab and our community. I’m excited to see plans for the new school take shape and the many ways Model can lead the state in education, school safety and services.”

The $149.1 million project, fully funded by the Kentucky General Assembly, will house EKU’s early childhood development center and Model’s elementary, middle and high schools. The new facility will also have college classrooms, faculty offices, a professional learning center with break-out rooms, an auditorium and a lecture hall to aid in seamless faculty, student and teacher interaction in preparing Kentucky’s next-generation educators.

“Our vision is that from day one, EKU education students are immersed in a model classroom with model teachers,” said EKU President David McFaddin, ’99 ’15. “Throughout the entire educational journey, these real-world experiences provide unmatched learning opportunities for the state’s next generation of educators and leaders.”

In addition to the Model Lab advantage, Smith noted supportive faculty and innovative teacher education pathways as contributors to the college’s unrivaled growth. EKU’s Option 9 program offers an expedited path to teacher certification for classified staff, such as paraeducators, already working in schools. This spring, the program expanded to include competency-based education courses, allowing Option 9 students to earn credit based on specific skills and knowledge instead of time spent in the course.

Connecting back with Model, Smith said four paraeducators at Model Lab enrolled in the program, providing an “initial pilot test group.”

Through initiatives such as Option 9 and other forward-thinking approaches, Smith remains focused on addressing the need for excellent teachers in the Commonwealth.

“I’m always thinking about how we can ensure that every kid in Kentucky has an effective teacher, because education leads to life change,” said Smith.

The new Model Lab represents a strengthened collaboration with the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences and a shared vision for preparing more teachers for the Commonwealth, which has been a long legacy for EKU.

Groundbreaking for the new Model Laboratory School, to be located on the southside of campus, will take place this spring. Construction is expected to be complete for Fall 2027.