Members of the Kentucky Education Association-Student Program chapter at Eastern Kentucky University attended the “Day of Learning” in Frankfort on Tuesday, Feb. 14, with leaders of the Kentucky Education Association.
EKU students attending the event were KEA-SP members and teacher education majors Ava Herms, president, Alexandria, Kentucky; Brooke Bell, secretary/historian, Vine Grove, Kentucky; Schuyler Tymula, Union, Kentucky; Savannah Siebenburgen, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Abby Trapp, Florence, Kentucky. They were accompanied by Faculty Co-adviser Dr. Dorie Combs, RTP professor of curriculum and instruction.
After a briefing about current legislation related to education and practical advice on how to lobby for public education, the group headed to the Capitol Annex to observe a meeting of the House Education Committee. Each of the students met with at least one legislator to discuss current legislation related to education. During lunch, they were all able to discuss issues further with teachers and other pre-service education majors from around the state.
After touring the Capitol Building, the group observed a demonstration in the Rotunda and part of the House session. Before returning to KEA headquarters, the students briefly meet with Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes.
The Kentucky Education Association sponsors several Days of Learning for future, current and retired teachers throughout the legislative session.
The EKU chapter of KEA-SP meets monthly and volunteers at area schools and the Madison County Public Library. Members are currently planning a Read across America celebration at Waco Elementary School in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. The KEA provides several professional development and leadership training programs for pre-service teachers throughout the year. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/EKUKEASP or by contacting faculty advisers Dorie Combs and Cynthia Resor.