Campbellsville University

Educator Rising Initiative: School of Education a Huge Supporter 

Educator Rising Initiative: School of Education a Huge Supporter

02/10/2026

Educator Rising Photo

Dr. Elisha Lawrence has led the way at Campbellsville University, becoming a key catalyst for Kentucky’s Ed Rising program. Educators Rising gives college education students support in developing public speaking skills and other practices in being more prepared as future educators.   

Initially, Lawrence served as a judge at the state and national Educator Rising conferences.  In 2022, she began discussing the possibility of Campbellsville hosting a future event. And in the fall of 2025, she led CU’s chapter in hosting a 4th region conference.  

Other universities in the state had hosted Ed Rising, but the CU event Lawrence designed was the first of its kind. Based on recommendations from other Ed Rising sponsors in the 4th region, CU’s  innovative features included: 

 

  1. Younger high school students were provided the opportunity to explore the various competition options, including a mock competition. 
  2. CU School of Education (SoE) faculty served as judges, and CU education majors helped in coordinating the day as well. 
  3. Rotations of the schedules for each of the eight districts represented were coordinated so that the variety of options was accessible to students throughout the day.  
  4. Opportunities were provided to network with other educators who taught in the teaching and learning pathways at different schools across the state, and who sponsored Ed Rising chapters (including a fellowship lunch for all).  
  5. Opportunity to hear from students (panel format facilitated by CU SoE faculty). 
  6. Opportunity to learn more about campus (tours, facilitated by Office of Admissions).  
  7. To wrap up the day, Kentucky Aspiring Educator President Audrey Gilbert addressed CU education majors.  

     

Dr. Lawrence added, “I am grateful to our dean, Dr. Robin Magruder, for supporting me while I was planning the Educators Rising Invitational. Our students and colleagues were wonderful partners. They made the event a success by enriching their sessions because they are amazing professionals. The feedback I received from attendees was that this year’s conference was a success, and they hope we will host another Ed Rising event in the future.”  

 

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