10.26.2025

Students to Host Public Hearing on Teacher Shortage and Wellness as Kentucky Hits Landmark Lows in the Profession

Join KSVT for the third in a series of youth-led events set for November 15 at the Morehead State University Adron Doran University Center.

As part of their ongoing fight to secure a quality public education for every student in Kentucky, the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) will convene a youth-led public hearing on Educator Retention and Wellness on Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Morehead State University Adron Doran University Center in room 329.

This hearing is about listening to parents, students and teachers to find ways to make our public schools better. It comes almost a year after a historic lawsuit filed by KSVT and 13 student plaintiffs in January, which claims the Commonwealth has failed to provide an “adequate and equitable education system” as guaranteed by the landmark 1989 Rose v. Council for Better Education court decision.

RSVP TO ATTEND

KSVT’s November 15 hearing will shine a spotlight on one of the many issues raised in the lawsuit: the massive shortage of educators able to teach in KY classrooms. Educators in Kentucky are paid less than the national average, have less professional development opportunities and are under constant pressure from political forces. The hearing will focus on concrete solutions to ensure every student has access to qualified, supported and inspiring educators. 

The event will feature four experts in the teaching profession as witnesses:

  • ‍Jaylee Collier, Student, Morehead State University College of Education‍
  • Allison Slone, Educator, Rowan County Schools; Founder, Kentucky Teachers In The Know‍
  • Mary Slone, Educator, Floyd County Schools
  • ‍Christina Frederick-Trosper, Educator, Knox County Public Schools
Jaylee Collier is an aspiring educator from Letcher County, Kentucky. Jaylee is currently a student at Morehead State University. She studies Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Education. Jaylee is an active advocate for public education—particularly in rural Appalachian Kentucky—where she focuses on ensuring that every student and educator has access to meaningful support systems that promote wellness and long-term success. Jaylee currently serves as a leader for the National Education Association (NEA), the Kentucky Education Association (KEA), and Appalachian Future Educators (AFE).
Allison Slone is a special education teacher at The Rowan Academy, founder and administrator of Kentucky Teachers In The Know, founder of KYREADS, 2024 KEA Teacher of The Year, and the first active teacher to be appointed to the Kentucky Board of Education.
Mary Slone is an educator from Floyd County, Kentucky. After graduating from Berea College, Mary chose to return to the community that had breathed life into her and began teaching. Thirty-one years later she has been a finalist for Teacher of the Year, completed National Board Certification and trained as a Master Practitioner for the global organization Narrative 4. Mary is also a lover of Ray Bradbury and a FANatic for UK, the Cincinnati Reds and the Floyd Central Jaguars.
Christina Frederick-Trosper has been teaching social studies for 23 years in her hometown of Barbourville, Kentucky at Knox County Public Schools. She is a member of KY-AFT 120 United and has been a vocal advocate for public schools and educators. She gained state and national recognition during the fight for the preservation of the Kentucky Teacher Pension system as featured in the Emmy Nominated, 2018 FRONTLINE documentary The Pension Gamble.

Through testimony and discussion that will be moderated by high school students, the hearing will elevate local solutions to improve civic learning.

WHAT: Youth-Led Public Hearing on Teacher Retention & Wellness
WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Adron Doran University Center, room 329, 400 E 2nd St, Morehead, KY 40351 (Google Maps)
WHO: Student examiners, teachers and teacher advocates as expert witnesses
RSVP: The event is free and open to the public. Media and policymakers are especially encouraged to attend. Reserve a free ticket online here.

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About the Kentucky Student Voice Team‍

The Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) is an independent, statewide, 501(c)(3) organization co-founded in 2012 by a group of Kentucky high school students. As a collective of young people, KSVT is on a mission to co-create more just, democratic Kentucky schools and communities as research, policy-advocacy & storytelling  partners.

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