Kentucky

2023 Impact Kentucky survey shows educators are beginning to feel more optimistic, but challenges remain

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

(FRANKFORT, KY) – More of Kentucky’s educators are feeling positive about the teaching profession in the 2023 Impact Kentucky Working Conditions Survey. On Feb. 6, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released results from the latest survey, which asks all certified school staff a variety of questions about their working conditions.

The 2023 Impact Kentucky Survey, formerly the TELL Kentucky survey, is administered every two years. Certified educators working at least half-time are given the opportunity to provide input on teaching conditions that can be used to inform improvements within schools, districts and statewide.

Educators responded 78% favorably to questions about staff-leadership relationships, 2% higher than the previous report. The greatest increase was seen in emotional well-being and belonging with a 7% increase.

A total of 34% of educators reported a favorable response regarding the emotional well-being of their colleagues because of their work, and 55% reported a favorable response regarding their own emotional well-being.

“Last survey, we clearly saw the strong effects the pandemic had on educators and the system. The current survey offers encouragement with all areas of data moving in a positive direction, but KDE and districts must continue to value feedback from all stakeholders,” said KDE Associate Commissioner Byron Darnall.

Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Fields Kinney said these survey results show important improvements and areas that are still in need of support.

“Our educators are working to create a better future for Kentuckians and their students,” said Kinney. “It’s important to review the results so the department, districts, schools and families can know where they can make a change to encourage growth within the education field, as well as provide support for those already in it.”

A total of 50% of educators said they have adequate school resources. A total of 86% of educators said the quality of resources at their school needs to improve.

“Now is the time for innovation and action to support educators as they work on supporting our students and encouraging future educators,” said Kinney.

The full 2023 report and results can be viewed on the Impact Kentucky website. The results are open to the public and include statewide, district and school-specific results. The survey was administered by Panorama Education, in partnership with KDE.

KDE is offering professional development opportunities to help schools and districts implement changes following the review of the 2023 survey data. These opportunities include:

Getting Started with Impact Kentucky Results (School Leaders and School-Based Users)

Impact Kentucky: From Inquiry to Impact (District and School Leaders and School-Based Users)

The Impact Kentucky Survey was designed by a Steering Committee made up of teachers, principals, superintendents, parents, and other education stakeholder groups from across the state upon the switch from the TELL Survey to the current survey administered by Panorama. The committee provided guidance and perspective in the development and implementation of the survey.

“Thank you to everyone who provided guidance in the development of this survey,” said Darnall. “The committee was key to ensuring a broad representation in the process.”

More than 39,000 certified employees responded to the survey, and approximately 33,000 of those were teachers. The survey, administered Nov. 1-Dec. 15, 2023, focused on:

Professional learning;
Feedback and coaching;
School leadership;
Staff-leadership relationships;
School climate;
Resources;
Managing student behavior;
Educating all students; and
Emotional well-being and belonging.

Darnall said this survey is a tool available to school-level personnel to make continuous improvements within their own schools and districts.

“The survey is a tool for improvement at the local level and ideally a vehicle for creating positive learning environments for both students and adults,” said Darnall.

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Kentucky

Cyclosporiasis spreads across Kentucky

Published

4 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Press Room

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Cyclosporiasis is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food and water — is making people sick across several states, including Kentucky.

Dr. Patricia Tellez-Watson said, the illness is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis and spreads when someone ingests contaminated food or water. “It is an intestinal infection caused by this water-borne, food-borne microscopic parasite,” she said.

Symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Tellez-Watson said, cases are often sporadic, but outbreaks can happen — especially during hot, wet months, when the parasite can survive in the environment long enough to become infectious.

Health experts recommend taking extra precautions with food and water. Washing hands and thoroughly rinsing produce before eating or cooking can reduce risk.

Watson also urged people to be cautious with fresh produce, particularly pre-packaged items, and to consider using bottled water.

Officials have confirmed cases in Bowling Green, though it’s unclear how many.

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Kentucky

Drafted by Reds, Matt Ponatoski enrolls at University of Kentucky

Published

16 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Press Room

Drafted by Reds, Matt Ponatoski enrolls at University of Kentucky

Moeller two-sport star Matt Ponatoski had a decision to make after being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds.
Ponatoski chose to enroll at Kentucky where he could play both baseball and football.

Dual-sport star and Moeller alum Matt Ponatoski’s final decision still awaits, but signs are pointing towards Lexington, KY.

After committing to the University of Kentucky as both a quarterback and pitcher, Ponatoski was selected in the 18th round (No. 542 overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft by the hometown Cincinnati Reds. While Ponatoski was ranked No. 208 on the MLB’s draft board and expected to be selected higher, doubts around whether he intended to go pro this year caused his stock to fall.

Ponatoksi has until the MLB’s signing deadline on July 27 to make a final decision, but the Moeller product has seemingly signaled his intention to stick with the University of Kentucky. He enrolled at the University of Kentucky on Wednesday, July 15, per a Kentucky Sports Radio report, indicating he will join the Wildcats football team in the fall.

The Man of Moeller was just the third player in the history of the Gatorade Player of the Year award to win for two different sports in the same season. Doing so in his junior year, he joined Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss and National Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Joe Mauer.

For Wildcats football, Ponatoski would come in as a four-star quarterback prospect and helped give new head coach Will Stein a top-25 recruiting class in the nation. He threw just one interception in his senior season for the Moeller Crusaders, completing 66% of his passes for 2,395 yards and 28 touchdowns.

For Kentucky baseball, Ponatoski would join up with fellow freshman and former Louisville Trinity pitcher Grayson Willoughby, who won Kentucky Mr. Baseball and withdrew his name from the draft. Willoughby, a top-rated pitching prospect, felt MLB teams were attempting to low-ball him and thus chose to stick with the Wildcats. Ponatoski is fresh from a season leading Moeller to the state championship game, recording a 1.37 ERA on the year.

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Kentucky

Evergreens earns Best of Kentucky Award ahead of two-year anniversary

Published

1 day ago

July 15, 2026

Press Room

Evergreens earns Best of Kentucky Award ahead of two-year anniversary

line at evergreens — On July 14, customers gather at Evergreens.
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Kennedy Williams

PADUCAH — Evergreens Plant Shop, Coffeehouse and Wine Bar announced Friday that it has received the Best of Kentucky Award — an annual voter’s choice award that highlights Kentucky’s favorite and finest establishments.

According to Guide to Kentucky, the Best of Kentucky Award is the highest designation it awards to businesses that receive the most votes from the commonwealth. On Tuesday, Evergreens Owner Jean Alford explained what the award means, how the business began, what she believes has contributed to Evergreens’ success and her reaction to the award.

“I was astounded,” Alford said. “Honestly, it’s a testament to our loyal customers. When we were nominated, we were emailed a form that said, ‘Vote for best coffeehouse.’ I had them at the doors, I had them in the restrooms, I had them at the register, on the tables — friends, family alike.”

She added that the customers and staff are what have brought her passions — and Evergreens — to life during the last few years.

“I wanted to create an environment that was community-friendly. People can come play games. People can come meet,” Alford said. “When I was traveling from Chicago to move here, that’s what I was looking for.”

wine bar at evergreens — Evergreens Plant Shop, Coffeehouse and Wine Bar announced Friday that it has received the Best of Kentucky Award — an annual voter’s choice award that highlights Kentucky’s favorite and finest establishments.
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Kennedy Williams

Evergreens Plant Shop, Coffeehouse and Wine Bar announced Friday that it has received the Best of Kentucky Award — an annual voter’s choice award that highlights Kentucky’s favorite and finest establishments.
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Kennedy Williams

Before opening Evergreens, Alford said she had developed a passion for plants, which led her to obtain her nursery license. She then began selling her plants at the farmer’s market, but she faced difficulties maintaining their condition during harsh weather and while traveling. This ultimately led to the search for a designated property — and the creation of Evergreens.

“We actually started this process in 2023,” she said. “I saw this spot, and I just thought this would be great because it’s on the other side of town, it’s by the college, it’s by the interstate, and I loved this loft.”

The location of Evergreens is one aspect that Alford attributes to earning the Best of Kentucky Award, and she said the focus has been on creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

“If you’re a parent, and you work all day, and you pick your child up, and you just want to have one-on-one time with them, play a board game, let them do homework while you work on your laptop — those were thoughts that were going through my mind,” Alford said.

Additionally, being located near West Kentucky Community and Technical College has also provided opportunities for Evergreens to cater to college students and their needs.

“When we first opened, we had some students and teachers. It took a minute, and then I got a phone call asking if I would — last year on [WKCTC’s] Giving Day — donate coffee to the students and staff,” she said. “So, I did. I went there, popped up a tent and handed out coffee.”

The menu is another way Alford said Evergreens aims to welcome everyone, having expanded it to include energy drinks, lemonades, teas, dirty sodas, Italian sodas, shakes and smoothies.

frog at evergreens — On July 14, a crocheted frog enjoys an ice cream cone while resting on an Evergreens countertop.

Kennedy Williams

On July 14, a crocheted frog enjoys an ice cream cone while resting on an Evergreens countertop.

Kennedy Williams

Above all, Alford highlighted the importance of supporting the community and recognizing that there is room for everyone, even when it comes to businesses offering similar products.

“It’s not easy, especially after opening and then several coffee places opening up, but I think each one [is] unique — some are drive-throughs, some are not [and] some you can sit down and eat,” she said. “We’re not in competition. There’s room for everybody. Everybody has their own unique thing, and I think that the most important thing is — support a local business.”

In light of the shop celebrating its second anniversary this July, Alford said her favorite part of owning Evergreens has been the customers and their shared passions.

“It’s such a joy that people like or get excited about what you’re passionate about — when you see the ladies that love the plants or the decor,” Alford said. “We also have some local artists that feature their stuff, and that’s very exciting for me, too — to be able to have that.”

To celebrate both the anniversary and the Best of Kentucky Award, Evergreens will be hosting a Community Appreciation Day on July 29 during business hours.

“In the morning, we are going to do some type of offer. We’re going to do a game — a spin-the-wheel when they come to the register to order — and they might get a free beverage, or they might get a discount, or they might get a free pastry,” Alford said.

She also noted that, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be live music in addition to the spin-the-wheel prizes and discounts.

“We are incredibly honored and deeply humbled by this recognition,” Alford said. “When we first opened our doors, our goal wasn’t just to serve great coffee, but to build a welcoming space for our community. This award is a testament to our hardworking team and the amazing customers who support us every single day.”

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