Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Option 9 program aims to alleviate the statewide teacher shortage by making teacher education more accessible to those already working in a school. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, approximately 13% of all teaching vacancies for the 2023-24 school year remained unfilled.
Nicholas County School District in Kentucky joined forces with EKU in efforts to combat the teacher shortage by offering paraeducators a $5,500 scholarship toward completing EKU’s Option 9 program.
“With our deep history and a reputation built on teacher education, we recognize the power and impact of educators on not only individual lives but entire communities,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Together with school districts like Nicholas County, we continue to propel the Commonwealth forward, making education a priority for all and delivering on our promise as a School of Opportunity.”
EKU’s Option 9 program offers an alternative, accelerated route for individuals to earn teaching certification in Kentucky. The program allows participants to work in a non-teaching role within an eligible school district while completing coursework and earn teacher certification in just three years. With the announcement of the new scholarship, the Nicholas County School District pays $5,500 toward Option 9 tuition directly on the employee’s behalf, reducing the total cost of the program for participants. Additionally, paraeducators from Nicholas County Schools receive a 25% tuition discount from EKU, as part of the district’s membership in the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation.
“By investing in paraeducators’ growth through the Option 9 pathway, we can tap into a highly motivated group of future teachers who understand our community and our students,” said Nicholas County Superintendent Doug Bechanan. “We aim to remove financial and systemic barriers to certification and create a sustainable pipeline of qualified educators already invested in Nicholas County.”
Classified staff in good standing with Nicholas County Schools who enroll in and make timely progress toward completion of EKU’s Option 9 program are eligible for the scholarship. Recipients of the scholarship must remain employed with Nicholas County while enrolled in the Option 9 program and commit to continuing employment with the district for five years after earning teacher certification.
Nicholas County is the first school district in Kentucky to offer a scholarship assisting aspiring teachers in EKU’s Option 9 program. EKU’s Dean of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences, Dr. Elizabeth Smith, hopes Nicholas County’s innovative plan inspires other school districts to invest in paraeducators pursuing teacher certification.
“Nicholas County is setting an example for other school districts in the Commonwealth by investing financially in growing their own teachers through Option 9,” said Smith. “Providing scholarships to paraeducators who enroll in EKU’s Option 9 program will increase access to completing teacher certification and increase the number of highly qualified teachers for the district. This kind of support can drive enrollment in our Option 9 program and help produce more excellent teachers for the Commonwealth.”
Nicholas County Schools employs 16 paraeducators. The scholarship program allows up to three participants, and one is currently enrolled in EKU’s Option 9 program. EKU became the first public university in Kentucky to offer the Option 9 pathway to teacher certification. The program officially launched in August 2023, in conjunction with a 100% online elementary education degree program. This spring, the Option 9 program expanded to include competency-based education courses, allowing students to earn credit based on specific skills and knowledge.
Through innovative approaches to education, EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences has experienced 14% enrollment growth and 32% new freshman enrollment growth in two years. Elementary education sits among the top enrolled majors at EKU.
By Christina Rannells
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